Ever heard of drink spiking or injection spiking? Learn about drink spiking symptoms and what to do if you've been spiked!

00:00 Drink Spiking Symptoms and Staying Safe?
00:42 Why Should You Be Aware Of Drink and Injection Spiking?
01:40 What Is Drink Spiking?
03:13 What Is Needle Spiking?
03:55 Drink Spiking Symptoms?
06:17 Needle Spiking Symptoms?
06:39 What To Do If You Think Your Drink Has Been Spiked?
09:03 How To Prevent Having Your Drink Spiked?
11:53 Where To Get Additional Help After You Have Been Spiked?

DRINK SPIKING AND INJECTION SPIKING:
Drink spiking is putting drugs or alcohol into someone's drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) without their knowledge or consent. It often happens in pubs, bars, nightclubs and house parties, and motives include sexual assault and theft.

There are worrying trends of needle spiking also. This is different from drink spiking as the drugs that are usually put into your drinks are injected. This means that symptoms of spiking appear quicker and are sometimes much worse.

It can be very difficult to tell if a drink has been spiked, as substances used for spiking usually have no taste, odour or colour. They can be placed into drinks when they're being prepared or while you are distracted.

The effects of drink spiking can vary. Side effects depend on how much substance has been added, the weight and pre-existing medical conditions of the victim, and whether alcohol has already been consumed.

Drink spiking can make someone appear more drunk than usual, confused, dizzy or nauseous. It can also lead to losing consciousness or a severe hangover the next day, and potentially gaps in memory.

If you suspect your drink has been spiked, or that of a friend, you should report it immediately. Tell someone working in the bar you are in, then report it to the police. You should stay with a trusted friend and never leave someone alone if you think they've been spiked. Closely monitor their condition and call an ambulance if they deteriorate.

SUPPORT AFTER BEEING A VICTIM OF DRINK SPIKING:
Seeking support after having your drink spiked can be a scary thing, especially if you can't remember what happened. But while it can be traumatic, it's important to alert someone to what happened to reduce the chance of serious medical complications and long-term psychological effects. There is plenty of support out there for victims of drink spiking, and various treatments are offered to help you feel safe again.

Places to get emotional support,
• Victim Support - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
• Counselling through NHS referral - either through your GP or by self-referral through the IAPT service - https://patient.info/treatment-medication/self-referral/refer-yourself-for-nhs-talking-therapy-counselling
• Private counselling.

Rape Crisis charity helplines,
England and Wales: 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30 pm and 7-9.30 pm every day).
Scotland: 0808 801 0302 or text 07537 410 027 (6 pm-midnight every day).
Northern Ireland: 08000 246 991 (Monday and Thursday, 6-8 pm).

CONFIDING IN A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER AFTER BEING A VICTIM:
Confiding in a friend or family member when you have been a victim of a crime can be very difficult. Particularly if you've been sexually assaulted (or think you have been if you have gaps in your memory), it isn't an easy conversation to have.

Remember that you are not to blame and you have not done anything wrong.

It's vital you tell someone about what happened, so you aren't carrying the pain and trauma on your own shoulders. Talking about it can help you get the support you need, both in the short and the long run. This might be from the police, victim support or counsellors. You should remember that drink spiking is an assault. It is a crime, and it should be reported to the police so they can do something about it and prevent it from happening to anyone else.

Other ways of opening up about the incident if you're unable to form the words. You might find it easier to close your eyes or turn away from someone if you're in the same room to make it less daunting. Or, you might feel more comfortable writing down what you want to say, or sending a text message.

The worst part is often worrying about what others will think and whether you will be judged. You should keep in mind that people want to help you and another person's reaction doesn't determine the severity of what happened to you or invalidate your trauma in any way.

#drinkspiking #injectionspiking #medical


DISCLAIMER:
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.