If someone tells you they feel strange, much more intoxicated than expected, or thinks they may have been spiked, take their concerns seriously and help them get to a safe place.
If they are unconscious, having difficulty breathing, having a seizure, or are in immediate danger, call 999. If they feel unwell but it is not an emergency, call 111 for urgent medical advice.
Follow the below steps to keep them safe:
- Tell staff and security if you are in a bar, club or other establishment, and let them know what has happened. If the venue uses 'Ask for Angela', you can ask for Angela, and the staff will understand that you need help.
- Stay with them. If they seem too unwell or impaired to keep themselves safe, do not leave them alone or with anyone they do not know or trust.
- Help them find a safe place and keep them calm. Avoid questions that could make them feel blamed for what has happened, or make them panic.
- Do not give them any more alcohol or recreational drugs.
- If they need medical help, and you are able to, take them to the nearest A&E department and tell the medical staff that you think they have been spiked. If you are unable to take them, call NHS 111. Call 999 in an emergency.
- Do not pressure them to report the incident. If they do not want to discuss their options at this time, that is okay. Allow them to go at their own pace.
- If it is safe to do so, make a note of the time, and all the places you have been. This could help with CCTV evidence, or if they wish to report to the police.
- With their consent, and if they wish to, support them to report the incident to the police on 101 as soon as they feel able. Call 999 if there is an emergency. If on campus, contact Campus Security on 01227 823333.
- If healthcare professionals are not understanding what has happened, use language such as ‘drugged’ or ‘poisoned’.
- If they think they have been needle spiked, support them to seek prompt medical advice through 111, A&E or a sexual health service.
- If they think they have been assaulted, they can attend a Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Please our SARC page for more information.
If they wish to report to the police
- If they are thinking about reporting to the police, make them aware without pressuring them that it is best to do this as soon as possible. This is because some substances leave the body quickly, and so prompt reporting allows for evidence to be preserved.
- Make sure you wait until they are conscious and able to make the decision of getting their blood and urine samples tested. Consent matters here too. If they are unconscious or unable to make a decision, seek urgent medical help.
- If safe to do so, try to keep the drink or container, and avoid throwing it away. A member of staff may be able to help, or ask someone you trust to help you to preserve it.
- Reassure them that it is ok if they cannot remember everything. The police may ask about what happened, who was nearby, where they went, whether anything was taken and if they have been physically or sexually assaulted. The police are aware that memory can be affected by some of the drugs used to spike drinks, but they’ll need as much detail as possible to investigate the incident.
- It might be helpful to share information about how they can report the incident or get support. More information can be found here.
- Know your limits and the support available. You can be a strong source of support, but you are not responsible for managing someone else’s wellbeing. Familiarise yourself with the Report and Support pages so that you can signpost them to appropriate help.
Being spiked can be a very scary and disorienting experience. Although the physical effects may wear off, people are often left feeling the emotional impact of spiking.
It might be helpful to:
- Check in with them the following day and over the coming weeks.
- Give them space to talk about what has happened.
- Reassure them it is not their fault.
- Let them know there is support available and that they are not alone.
If you are concerned that they or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone). If they are on campus, you can also contact Campus Security on 01227 823333.
It can be upsetting to support someone who has experienced spiking. Remember to look after your own wellbeing too.
You can also access the support from the Specialist Wellbeing team and Student Support and Wellbeing.