A Criminal Action - Drink Spiking
By *Dr. Theresa M. Craig (Ph.D.)

Drink spiking is Criminal. Drink spiking is a growing global problem.

Drink spiking is the addition of a substance to a person’s drink without their knowledge, with the objective to incapacitate or sedate the person. Any drink can be spiked: alcohol, soft drinks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and even water. Drugs used may be odorless, tasteless, and colorless. The drugged victim may be sexually assaulted, raped, or robbed by the perpetrator and can die from the drugs effects. Drink spiking is serious.

A major issue is that many perpetrators of drug related assaults do not understand the legal definition of consent. Sex without free and voluntary consent is illegal. United Kingdom research has found that 70% of victims of drug assisted sexual assault knew their attackers, with 42% of the victims over 30 years of age. In addition, 54% of the drugs administered were done through alcohol and over half of all incidents occurred in pubs and clubs⁵. Drink spiking can occur anywhere so responsible precautionary measures are always required. For example, drink spiking may also occur at private functions, restaurants, and school functions¹. The target of this crime is normally a woman, young or old, who may seem out of place in her surroundings, or on her own. One in five victims are men¹. In general men are normally the offenders. Offenders of drink spiking are also generally 26 – 35 years of age and known to the intended victim⁶. Queensland research has revealed that of people interviewed, 24% thought their drinks had been spiked in the past, and most disturbingly 54% knew of someone who thought their drink had been spiked². Drink spiking can not be ignored.

The hospitality industry can help by educating staff and customers about drink spiking, and creating an environment that makes drink spiking hard to conceal⁵. For example, improved lighting, tightened security, and assisting patrons in protecting their drinks are all positive steps to prevent drink spiking⁶.

As an individual, precautions can be taken to prevent drink spiking such as³:

• Never leave your drink.
• Buy your own drink.
• Watch your drink being made or poured.
• Never share a drink.
• Never accept a drink from a stranger.
• If a drink looks cloudy or changes consistency, don’t drink it.
• Watch out for your friends.
• Party with trusted friends only.

If you or a friend feel dizzy, sleepy, uninhibited, over relaxed, or out of character for the amount of alcohol consumed, drink spiking may be the reason. The effects occur within 10 – 20 minutes of consuming the tampered drink. Peak effects may leave a person unconscious, unable to defend themselves, and having no memory of events³. If you suspect drink spiking has affected you or a friend, tell the bar staff, seek medical assistance, and contact the police. Some of the drugs used can not be slept off and medical treatment is required. Keep the suspected drink for evidence and take a sample of any vomiting that has occurred. Above all, do not leave a friend alone.

Don’t let a fun evening out turn into a nightmare. Be Aware for Yourself and Your Friends.

*Dr Theresa Craig (PhD) is a highly qualified lifestyle health scientist who translates complex life science information into meaningful topics that the general public can understand. Dr Craig publishes her own monthly life science newsletter The Source and website www.tara-source.com

References

1. Drink Spiking. www.thesource.gov.au/lifestyle/drink_spike/drink_spiking .htm
2. Drink Spiking. Danger. 2003. Drugs in Society. 10 – 11. Liquor Licensing Division, Queensland Department of Tourism, Racing and Fair Trading.
3. Drink Spiking: why it’s not funny – for young people. Drug information clearinghouse. http://druginfo.adf.org.au
4. Drug Rape Trust NZ. Drink Spiking
5. FyFE, M and Newell B. Take away her freedom…and you could loose yours. The Western Australian Police Service Drink Spiking Education Program
6. Henderson, R. Drink Spiking. Waikato District Health Board

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