Spiking means giving someone alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or agreement. It is a criminal offence and can be extremely dangerous. The University's existing safety guidance also addresses spiking by injection.
Someone may spike another person to:
- incapacitate them;
- sexually assault them;
- rob them;
- exploit them;
- cause them harm.
Sometimes people describe spiking as a joke or prank. It isn't.
If you think you may have been spiked
You might suddenly:
- feel much more intoxicated than expected;
- feel confused or disoriented;
- become unusually sleepy;
- feel sick or dizzy;
- experience memory loss;
- have difficulty speaking, walking or controlling your body;
- feel that something is seriously wrong.
If this happens:
Get somewhere safe and tell someone you trust.
Tell venue staff, Security, a friend, or another safe person what you think has happened.
If you are seriously unwell, seek urgent medical assistance.
If there is immediate danger, call 999.
Try not to leave with somebody you do not know or trust.
You can also contact the University afterwards for support.