Reasons for Drink Spiking
Drink spiking is the act of placing drugs in someone’s beverage without their knowledge. Various people have different reasons for spiking someone’s drink. Foods have also been known to be spiked, either with a specific drug or alcohol. A few reasons associated with drink spiking include:
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping
- Anger
- Entertainment
- Robbery
Spiking drinks is a crime, a crime with which someone may go to prison for up to 10 years, especially if another serious crime was performed or planned. In addition to drink spiking being illegal, by spiking a drink you place the person at a great health risk. Some people may have serious reactions to these drugs, in some cases these types of reactions have resulted in death.
Who is a Typical Target for Drink Spiking?
Anyone can be a victim of drink spiking however, there are certain situations which may make you more vulnerable. In general, drink spiking occurs at bars, clubs or raves, however even at restaurants and school events you may face danger. Most of the time, women are victims of drink spiking, although men are not immune from this crime. The average age range in women who have their drinks spiked is between 15 and 30.
Drink Spiking Prevention
How can you prevent your drink from being spiked? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Never leave your drink unattended. If you do need to leave your drink for a moment, have someone you trust watch it.
- Don’t drink anything you did not see poured or opened.
- Bring a friend with you. This way you can keep and eye on one another and leave if one of you starts to feel strangely.
- Let someone know where you are. If you are on a date with someone you don’t know tell a friend where you’ll be going and when you plan on being home.
- Never let a person you don’t know buy a drink for you. Just like the old rule, “Never take candy from strangers,” the same applies here.
- Watch when your drink is being poured. The bar tender (or whoever is mixing your drink) may have been paid to mix something with your drink.
- Find a designated driver. This person can also watch drinks for the night.
- Never leave alone or have a stranger bring you home if you feel sick. If you start to feel dizzy or feel as if you have had a lot of alcohol when you actually have had none or very little, ask someone you trust to bring you home.
It is difficult to prosecute someone who has physically or sexually harmed someone after spiking their drink. In these cases, the victim typically has no memory of the crime. Also, in addition to this, by the time the crime is reported or possibly even realized by the victim, any trace of drugs has already left the body’s system. While it is still not guaranteed that your drink will never be spiked, following these simple rules can go a long way in keeping you and your friends safe.
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