Snow-Free Sips: How to React and Respond to Drink Spiking

With the holiday season beginning, it is important to recognize the prevalence of drink spiking, especially in college. This can put you in a vulnerable state and potentially lead to drug-related sexual assault, which can turn your best times into the worst times. Staying informed can help you stay safe, but also make happy memories.

Drink spiking happens quite often, so it is critical to know how to prevent it., This includes knowing what to look for, symptoms and emotions that may follow, and resources that may be needed after the experience or in the case of post-drinking/spiking sexual assault. 

Prevention 

There are many ways to prevent your drinks from being spiked; thankfully, many brands have created solutions to prevent this occurrence. The Nightcapit is a scrunchie that can be worn on the wrist that easily becomes a cloth lid for your drink. The Drinkcheck Wristband (Xantus) is a product that can reveal if your drink has been contaminated with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB. The wristband contains test spots that you can add drops of your drink to; if the tester turns blue, it is contaminated, and if it turns yellow then you’re good to go. Lastly, drink check strips can detect not only GHB, but also ketamine. If the strip turns orange, it has detected ketamine, and if it turns blue it detects GHB. If the strip appears pink and yellow, your drink has not been tampered with. These products are easy to carry around and can be a lifesaver.

Spiking can happen anywhere, but 46 percent of the time, it happens in house parties. If you’re with someone who is making you uncomfortable, use the code “angel shot” when ordering a drink and the bartender will be at your assistance. It’s also best to go out in groups and use the buddy system for extra precaution.

How do you know your drink has been spiked?

 Common signs that your drink has been spiked include:

• Change of color 
• Sinking ice 
• Excessive amounts of bubbles 
• Foggy appearance 
• Bitter taste
• Visible crystals or particles

Some signs aren’t as apparent; for instance, a handful of substances are colorless, odorless, or tasteless. In some rare cases, the substance isn’t always inside your drink, but on the rim of your cup, so be careful and wipe the rim before drinking.

What are the symptoms after you’ve been spiked? 

These symptoms are similar to those of alcohol intoxication but trust your body if you feel more “out of it” than usual.

Physical: 

• Vomiting 
• Hallucinations 
• Fatigue 
• Unconsciousness
• Memory loss 
• Disorientation 
• Loss of balance
• Shortness of breath 
• Seizures 

Emotional: 

• Denial 
• Frustration 
• Anxiety (may experience panic/anxiety attacks)
• Isolation 
• Distress 
• Shock 
• Confusion 
• State of depression 

Additional information on symptoms can be found here.

Post-Drink Spiking Experience Resources

Below are some resources to find when dealing with the post-traumatic experience: 

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline:1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7): 988 
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Additionally, Old Dominion University provides good counseling services and creates a community for students who also have gone through similar experiences. Other resources include their Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Workshop Request Form as well as helpful information from the Extra Support ULIFELINE. 

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