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Do you know what's in your drink?

How to prevent drink spiking and drug-facilitated assault
​​Photo by Isabella Mendes




What is drink spiking?

Drink spiking is when alcohol or narcotic drugs are deliberately mixed into a person's drink without their knowledge. It is done to intentionally to incapacitate the person in order to facilitate assault. The drugs used are often painkillers and anaesthetics with sedative effects such as rohypnol ('roofie'), GHB, GBL and ketamine. They are also known as date rape drugs or knock-out drops.

These drugs are difficult to detect as they typically have no colour, smell or taste when mixed with a drink. They take effect very quickly. The victim may feel unwell or have trouble speaking or moving within 15-30 minutes and may eventually pass out.

This page provides information on how you can protect yourself from drink spiking and what to do if you suspect you've been a victim.


How to know if your drink has been spiked

The effects of drink spiking vary depending on which drug is used. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or if you notice these signs in another person, seek help immediately. Ask friends, security or a member of staff at the venue for help and get medical care as soon as possible.  

  • Euphoria (initial)
  • Sudden dizziness or nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling more drunk than expected
  • Visual problems
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Feeling sleepy or drowsy
  • Inability to speak
  • Behaving strangely or out of character
  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Limited mobility
  • Memory loss or blackouts
  • Unconsciousness


What to do if you suspect you your drink was spiked

These drugs cause a feeling of severe intoxication leading to unconsciousness and loss of memory. Victims are usually not aware they were drugged until afterwards when they may find themselves in a strange place and don't know how they got there. They may feel unwell and suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, dizziness and tiredness. They often feel confused and suffer from memory lapse. They may also have a vague feeling that an assault has taken place.

If you suspect that your drink was spiked, or that you may have been assaulted, act as soon as possible. It is important to take blood and urine samples as quickly as possible as many of these drugs leave the body within 6-72 hours (depending on the substance). Quick action is therefore necessary for possible criminal prosecution even if you aren't sure about this yet. Also, an accidental overdose can have serious consequences on your health, so immediate medical attention and observation is crucial to protect you from further harm. 

It is important to note that the mere intention and attempt to s​ecretly administer drugs into someone's drink, food, or veins is illegal in Austria and punishable by law. Whatever criminal action follows the drink spiking adds to the overall legal repercussion. 


How to stay safe

  • Never leave your drink unattended
  • Do not accept drinks from strangers
  • Drink from closed bottles and cans that you open yourself​
  • Keep a close eye on the preparation of poured drinks
  • Avoid communal punch bowls and pitchers or sharing drinks with others
  • Arrange with friends to take care of each other's drinks
  • Do not consume any drink that looks or tastes strange e.g. salty taste, excessive foam,
    unusual colour or texture, unexplained residue.
  • If in doubt or find you drink unattended, th​row away the drink.

There are also various types of self-testing products that can detect cer​tain drugs. These include wristbands, test strips, nail polish and coasters.  They can be bought at stores in Vienna (e.g. DM) or ordered online. You can also buy protective drink covers, but keep in mind that food can also be easily spiked.


Where to get help

  • VIC Security Emergency: 99 (24/7)
  • VIC Medical Service Emergency: 22222 (Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00)
  • Vienna ambulance service: 144 (24/7)
  • Contact the Vienna 24-hour women's emergency helpline on +43 1 71719 or another counselling service for psychological advice and legal support with criminal proceedings.

 

More information

 


https://adf.org.au/insights/what-is-drink-spiking/

https://alcohol.org/guides/spiked/

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (dea.gov)

Drink spiking and date rape drugs | Drinkaware


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