Staying Safe on a Night Out: Drink Spiking Awareness for Freshers and Party Season
Freshers’ Week is upon us and the Christmas party season is just around the corner, it’s important to talk openly about drink spiking—when someone adds alcohol or drugs to another person’s drink without their knowledge or consent. It can happen anywhere: clubs, pubs, bars, or even house parties. The intention is usually to make someone more vulnerable, and the consequences can be devastating.
Why This Matters
Drink spiking is not rare, and it doesn’t “only happen to other people.” It can happen to anyone. When I first started university, I went out during Freshers’ Week. After just two drinks, I suddenly felt extremely drunk, anxious, and disoriented. A new friend noticed something was wrong, helped me back to halls, and stayed to make sure I was safe. The next day, I received a message from someone admitting they had spiked my drink with GHB because they were “too shy to talk to me.”
That wasn’t a joke. It wasn’t a prank. It was predatory, criminal behaviour that could have ended very differently if I hadn’t had support.
The Truth About Spiking
Spiking is never harmless—it’s a crime.
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It puts people at serious risk of injury, sexual assault, or worse.
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It’s against the law. In the UK, spiking someone’s drink can lead to up to 10 years in prison. If it’s linked to assault, rape, or robbery, sentences can be even longer.
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Venues take it seriously. If you’re caught, you’ll be barred and reported to the police.
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Beyond the law, spiking destroys trust, friendships, and lives.
There is no excuse. Being “too shy,” “wanting attention,” or “just messing about” will never justify taking away someone else’s safety and consent.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
Here are some simple but effective ways to reduce risks and support your friends:
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Keep an eye on your drink. Don’t leave it unattended—even on toilet breaks.
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Only accept drinks from staff. Take drinks directly from the bar and avoid open drinks from strangers.
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Trust your instincts. If your drink tastes odd or you suddenly feel strange, stop drinking and seek help.
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Use “Ask for Angela.” At the bar, asking for Angela alerts trained staff who can discreetly step in.
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Look out for each other. If a friend suddenly feels unwell after little alcohol, don’t leave them alone.
- Look in drink spiking preventers. Purchase some bottle caps and drink covers on Amazon.
What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Spiked
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Tell someone you trust immediately. A friend, venue staff, or security.
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Seek medical help. Go to A&E if you feel very unwell.
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Report it. Call the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency). Reporting helps protect others and brings perpetrators to justice.
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If you’ve been assaulted, you can contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for confidential support and forensic examination.
Final Thought
Freshers’ Week should be fun, exciting, and safe. Respect, consent, and care for one another are the foundations of a good night out.
Look after yourself, look after your friends—and remember: the responsibility always lies with those who choose to spike drinks, not the people enjoying them.
For more details on drink spiking and how you can protect yourself visit the following website:
Spike Aware
For more details on drink spiking and how you can protect yourself visit the following website:
Spike Aware
Written by Emily