We've launched Switch on to Spiking to teach 15,000 young people how to be alert when out at night with friends this festive period.
Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere.
Keep your friends safe by sticking together and following our first aid guidance below.
"Spiking" is when someone gives another person alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent. There are many ways a person might be spiked, including:
feeling drunk, woozy or drowsy
feeling “out of it” or drunker than expected
mental confusion
speech difficulties (such as slurring)
memory loss
loss of inhibitions
nausea and vomiting
breathing problems
muscle spasms or seizures
loss of consciousness
an unusually long hangover
a severe hangover after drinking little or no alcohol.
Find out how you can help prevent spiking and what to do if you think your friend has been spiked.
Stay together when you're out with friends
Pace yourself. Keep an eye on how much you and your friends are drinking
Many bars and nightclubs (and many universities) offer bottle ‘bungs’ like a cork which can prevent drinks being spiked – ask for one
Don’t accept drinks from strangers, especially after you have had a few drinks
If you think your friend has been spiked:
If you have used recreational drugs or drunk a lot of alcohol, it’s important to tell your friends what you have taken and when and get medical help from event staff if you need it
Plan your route home—book taxis or download a rideshare app if trains or buses are not running
Most of all, look out for each other so you can end the night safely
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