- Ministers combat spiking
- Symptoms: hallucinations, imbalance
- Safety measures and actions
To combat the practice of beverage spiking, ministers have outlined strategies to finance testing devices and provide door staff with training.
It is an effort to modernize the law regarding spiking, which occurs when drugs are unknowingly or unlawfully introduced into the body or drink of another individual.
Longstanding demands have been made for ministers to designate needle and drink poisoning as a distinct offense; however, the recent announcement fails to meet that expectation.
Instead of this, the Home Office has outlined several practical measures it is implementing to safeguard individuals as we approach the season of holiday parties.
Listed below are some indicators that your beverage may have been tainted:
- Perplexity, hallucinations, and sudden paranoid behavior
- According to the NHS, numerous factors could contribute to the manifestation of symptoms in the body following a surge. For instance, it might depend on the quantity and nature of alcohol or drugs consumed by the offender. In addition to the quantity of alcohol consumed, other medications currently being taken, physical appearance, and age, these variables may all play a role.
- Deterioration of equilibrium and coordination
- Symptoms can appear within 5 to 20 minutes and last up to 12 hours. An individual who has been drugged may experience imbalance or impaired coordination. They might experience vertigo and become unstable on their feet.
- Visual impairments and a malfunctioning ability to communicate
- A person who sparks is extremely vulnerable. It is highly frightening that they might lose the ability to communicate under specific circumstances. “If this occurs, place them in a secure location and remain nearby to reassure them,” advised Dr. Thomas. Furthermore, striking may result in visual impairments. They may experience challenges with maintaining focus and may specifically express symptoms of impaired vision.
- Experiencing difficulty inhaling or being unresponsive
- “In addition to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, spiking can induce unconsciousness and respiratory distress; therefore, it is critical to seek medical attention if you feel ill or are concerned about a friend who may have been spiked,” advised Dr. Thomas. While your friend is still breathing normally and becomes unresponsive or incapacitated, place them in the recovery position and dial 999.
What measures can you take to ensure your safety?
What to do if you suspect that someone has been drugged and how to ensure the safety of yourself and your companions during a night out were additional topics covered by Dr. Thomas.
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In the beginning, remain together. This will promote self-control and accountability while consuming alcohol. ‘It is crucial to monitor the amount of alcohol that you and your companions consume,’ she advised.
Additionally, you could appoint a sober companion who would serve as an extra set of eyes and hearing.
Inquire at several bars and nightclubs about bottle “bungs” that resemble corks and prevent beverages from being spiked. Additionally, it is highly inappropriate to receive drinks from strangers, particularly after consuming a few yourself.
What should one do if they suspect they have been spiked?
If one feels they or a buddy have been spiked, Dr Thomas recommends reporting it to bar or event staff. Additionally, they should contact the police and report any suspicious behavior.
“Call 999 immediately and seek medical attention, particularly if you are experiencing a loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or abnormal or impaired vision.”
“If you have consumed a significant amount of alcohol or recreational drugs, it is crucial that you inform your friends about the timestamps of your consumption and seek medical assistance from event personnel if necessary.”
