Party Safe: What’s in Her Drink?

Introduction

A night out with friends should be fun, carefree, and filled with good memories. But unfortunately, an increasing number of women are falling victim to drink spiking, a dangerous crime that can lead to blackouts, memory loss, vulnerability to assault, and even life-threatening health complications.

According to the SAJE Journal in Canada, one-third of women in Canada have experienced drink spiking, and in the UK, over 2,600 cases of drink spiking were reported in a single year. However, most incidents go unreported, making it difficult to track the full scale of the issue.

The reality is, that anyone can be a target. That is why it is crucial to recognize the signs, understand the risks, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your friends.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to party safely, recognize suspicious behaviour, and prevent drink spiking before it happens.

What Does It Mean to Have Your Drink Spiked?

Drink spiking happens when alcohol, drugs, or other substances are secretly added to someone’s drink without their consent. This is often done to incapacitate the victim, making them more vulnerable to theft, assault, or worse.

Common Drugs Used in Drink Spiking:

🔸 Rohypnol ("Roofies") – A sedative that causes drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss.
🔸 GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) – A depressant that can cause blackouts, nausea, and unconsciousness.
🔸 Ketamine – A dissociative drug that makes it difficult to move, speak, or react.
🔸 Extra Alcohol – Sometimes, perpetrators pour strong alcohol into drinks to increase intoxication rapidly.

These substances often have no taste, smell, or colour, making them extremely difficult to detect.

Signs Your Drink May Have Been Spiked

🚨 Physical Symptoms (can occur within minutes):
✅ Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
✅ Nausea or vomiting (even without heavy drinking)
✅ Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
✅ A rapid heartbeat, sweating, or chills
✅ Sudden excessive sleepiness or unconsciousness

🚨 Cognitive & Behavioral Symptoms:
✅ Confusion or disorientation—feeling "out of it"
✅ Memory loss or blacking out unexpectedly
✅ Slurred speech or trouble forming sentences
✅ Feeling overly intoxicated too quickly
✅ Sudden loss of coordination or difficulty walking

If you or a friend experience any of these symptoms, seek help immediately.

How to Protect Yourself & Your Friends

While the responsibility should always be on the perpetrators, not the victims, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of drink spiking.

1. Keep Your Drink in Sight at All Times

✔️ Never leave your drink unattended. If you need to step away, finish it first or have a trusted friend watch it.
✔️ Avoid accepting open drinks from strangers—go with them to the bar and watch it being made.
✔️ Use a drink cover or hold your hand over your glass when walking through crowded areas.

2. Stick With Your Squad

✔️ Go out with trusted friends and keep an eye on each other.
✔️ Set up a "safe word" or signal in case someone feels uncomfortable.
✔️ Never leave a friend alone—make sure you all get home safely together.

3. Recognize Suspicious Behavior

✔️ Watch for strangers lingering near drinks or acting overly interested in your drink.
✔️ If a drink tastes unusual or stronger than expected, stop drinking it immediately.
✔️ Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

4. Use Personal Safety Tools

✔️ Drink Testing Strips & Kits – Available online, these can detect drugs like Rohypnol and GHB.
✔️ NightCap Drink Covers – A scrunchie that turns into a drink cover to block unwanted substances.
✔️ Test My Drink Straws – Special straws that change color when detecting common spiking drugs.

5. Have an Escape Plan

✔️ If you feel unwell or overly intoxicated too fast, tell a bartender, security staff, or a friend.
✔️ If a friend seems "off" or too intoxicated, help them get to a safe place—never leave them behind.
✔️ Call 911 if symptoms worsen (vomiting, passing out, severe disorientation).

The Risks of a Spiked Drink

🚨 Memory Loss & Blackouts – Victims often wake up with little to no memory of the previous night.
🚨 Physical & Sexual Assault – Many cases of drink spiking are linked to assault, harassment, or theft.
🚨 Overdose & Death – Some spiking drugs can cause respiratory failure, coma, or fatal overdose.
🚨 Legal Consequences for Perpetrators – Drink spiking is illegal in most countries, carrying severe penalties.

What to Do If Your Drink Was Spiked

🚨 Tell a friend, bartender, or security staff—you need help immediately.
🚨 Find a safe place—do not try to "sleep it off" alone.
🚨 Call for medical help if symptoms worsen (confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness).
🚨 Do not go home with strangers, even if they seem helpful. Stick with trusted friends or staff.
🚨 Get tested at a hospital—some drugs leave the system quickly, so time is crucial.
🚨 Report the incident to the police so they can take action.

Statistics on Drink Spiking

📊 1 in 3 women in Canada reports having had their drink spiked. (SAJE Journal)
📊 Drink-spiking cases increased by 108% in the UK between 2015-2021. (BBC News)
📊 Over 75% of drink-spiking victims are women. (National Crime Agency)
📊 Most cases go unreported, meaning actual numbers are likely much higher.

Resources for Help & Support

📌 RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 24/7 Support: 1-800-656-4673 | www.rainn.org
📌 National Sexual Violence Resource Center – www.nsvrc.org
📌 Drink Spiking Awareness Campaigns – Check local police & safety initiatives.
📌 Ask for "Angela" – Many bars use this discreet code word for help.

Final Thoughts: Party Smart & Stay Safe

Drink spiking is a serious issue, but knowledge and awareness can help prevent it. While we should never have to take extra precautions just to stay safe, looking out for each other, recognizing the signs, and using protective strategies can reduce the risk.

💜 Stay alert, trust your instincts, and always have a plan.
💜 Look out for your friends—party together, leave together.
💜 Speak up if you see something suspicious—it could save someone’s life.

Let’s make nightlife safe for everyone. Share this blog with your friends to spread awareness. ✨