Following public outcry over alleged drink spiking in Darlington nightclubs, The Northern Echo, using advice from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has put together a guide to educate about safety during the night-time economy.

What is drink spiking? 

Drink spiking is when someone has added something, for example, alcohol or drugs, to your drink, without you knowing. This may affect the way you act or how you behave. Drink spiking is illegal, even if the person affected is not attacked or assaulted. It can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years for anyone found guilty of doing this

What is needle spiking? 

Needle spiking (also called injection spiking) is where people report being subjected to surreptitious injection of unidentified sedative drugs, usually whilst they are in a crowded environment such as the dancefloor of a nightclub, producing symptoms typical of date rape drugs. New figures have shown that almost 5,000 cases of needle spiking have been reported to UK police in a year. 

Read more: Avalon in Darlington is preventing spiking by giving out 'Cup Condoms'

Why would someone spike me? 

Though there are many reasons for spiking, some of the most common are rape or sexual assault, theft, or for the perpetrator's amusement. 

What symptoms will I have if my drink is spiked? 

Often the symptoms shown following a spiking depend on a number of factors, including: the type and amount of drug or alcohol used, how much alcohol you have had to drink, if you are taking medication (drugs), and your body size and age. 

Symptoms can develop within 5 to 20 minutes of being spiked and can last for 12 hours. 

The drugs used often make you feel sleepy, weak, and reduce your ability to defend yourself. You may not be aware of what is going on around you or what is happening to you.

Common symptoms include: dizziness, difficulty walking, confusion (especially when waking up the next day), nausea or vomiting, hallucinations, tiredness, visual problems, paranoia, and amnesia. 

Read more: This is how North East police forces are tackle spiking

Can I tell if my drink is spiked? 

It is hard to tell if your drink has been spiked. The drugs are usually tasteless, odourless (no smell) and have no colour so you would not usually know.

What should I do if my drink has been spiked? 

If you begin to feel drunk after having only a small amount or no alcohol, or you think your drink may have been spiked, you should get help from a friend you trust, a relative or a senior member of staff if you are in a club or pub. Go to a place of safety as soon as possible, but only go home with someone you totally trust.

If you are with people you do not know, contact a trusted friend or relative to come and take you home and look after you. If you start to feel very sleepy, vomit or have hallucinations, you should visit your GP or local Accident and Emergency Department immediately.

You should also contact the police as drink spiking is illegal. The police may ask for a sample of your blood or urine to test, to find out if drugs have been used. It is important you are tested as soon as possible if you think your drink was spiked as most drugs leave your body within 12 – 72 hours.

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How can I try to prevent my drink from being spiked? 

You should: not leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on friends' drinks, drink from a bottle rather than a glass if you can, as it is more difficult to spike a drink in a bottle, keep your drink in your hand at all times, never accept a drink from someone who you do not know or trust, never share or swap drinks, or drink any leftover drinks.

If you go out with someone you do not know; tell a friend or relative where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Some clubs or pubs can provide devices which can reduce the risk of your drink being spiked. You can also buy special plastic tops to go in bottles from supermarkets. There are also kits available in many pubs and clubs so you can test your drink to see if it has been spiked.