Spiking

What is spiking?

Spiking is when someone gives you drugs or alcohol without you knowing or agreeing to it.

You can be spiked in different ways, including:

• drugs being put into your drink, or alcohol into a soft drink
• a substance being injected into you with a needle
• being lied to about what a substance is before you take it
• being given more alcohol or drugs than you agree to - for example, a double shot instead of a single

Anyone can be spiked, and it can happen anywhere.

You can be spiked in a public space such as a bar, nightclub, at a party, festival or even in your own home.

You may be spiked by a stranger or by someone you know.

How to tell if you have been spiked

It can be hard to tell if you have been spiked. The drugs used for spiking often do not have a taste, smell or colour.

Trust your instincts. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, tell someone you trust straight away. Ask them to stay with you. This is in case you become very unwell.

Signs of spiking

The signs that someone has been spiked can depend on:

• the type and amount of drug or alcohol used
• the amount of drugs or alcohol taken before spiking
• prescribed medicines taken, if any
• the person’s body size and age

Signs of spiking can include:

• feeling sick (nausea) or getting sick (vomiting)
• feeling faint, light-headed or dizzy
• feeling drowsy, confused or disorientated
• feeling more drunk than how you would normally feel
• lowered inhibitions
• unconsciousness (passing out)
• difficulty walking, talking, concentrating or controlling your body
• memory loss or blackouts - when you cannot remember periods of time
• visual problems, particularly blurred vision
• paranoia - a feeling of fear or distrust of others
• hallucinations - seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there
• temporary loss of body sensation - having an 'out of body' experience

Symptoms can develop within minutes. Depending on what you have been spiked with, symptoms can last for hours or days. But there can also be long-term effects.

Recovering from spiking

If you think you've been spiked

If you think you or someone you’re with has been spiked, get help from someone you trust straight away. Go to a safe place.

If you're at a venue, let a member of staff or security know.

If you are injured, been needle spiked or feel seriously unwell, call 112 or 999 or go to an emergency department (ED).

If you think you have been spiked but feel well enough to go home, ask someone you trust to go with you. Get immediate help if your symptoms get worse.

What to do at home after spiking

Spiking is a crime, no matter how or why it is done. To report the incident, contact your local Garda station.

You can still get help and support from these services if you:

• do not report the spiking incident or assault to the Gardaí
• are not sure what happened

What happens in ED after spiking

If you go to an emergency department (ED) or healthcare service after being spiked, the medical team will:

• examine you and check for injuries or illness
• treat any symptoms you have
• help treat dehydration, nausea or confusion
• support your mental wellbeing
• discuss STI prevention or emergency contraception if needed
  
  

You may be offered a blood or urine test. These tests can sometimes detect certain drugs but are not always reliable, especially if some time has passed.

Make sure to tell the medical team if you think you have been spiked by a needle.

What to do at home after spiking

If you did not get medical help straight away, there are things you can do to look after yourself at home:

• ask someone you trust to stay with you until the effects of the drug wears off
• rest and drink water
• avoid alcohol or other drugs until you feel well again
• write down anything you remember about what happened

If you still feel unwell or confused after resting, get medical help. Contact your GP or other healthcare provider. They can check for any delayed symptoms or offer support.

Recovering from spiking

Spiking can affect people in different ways. The physical effects wear off as the drugs leave your system.

But the emotional effects can last a long time. Everyone reacts differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

You may have memory gaps and feel confused about what happened.

It is normal to have anxiety about going out again after spiking. You may have increased anxiety in general.

You may find it hard to cope with the effects of spiking, especially if you had a traumatic experience.

If you are finding it hard to cope, contact your GP, a rape crisis centre or a mental health support service. They may be able to help you process your feelings.

You do not have to report the incident to get support.

How to stay safe

Spiking is never your fault. But there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.