WHAT IS DRINK SPIKING?

Drink spiking is the covert placement of drugs (including alcohol) into a person's drink with the aim of sedating or incapacitating them, usually for the purpose of sexual assault or robbery. Drinks most commonly spiked are alcoholic drinks, but spiking of soft drinks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate occurs.
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug to facilitate sexual assault. This occurs when alcohol is added to a non-alcoholic drink, or when an alcoholic drink has shots of spirits added to it without request.
Other drugs used in drink-spiking incidents are rohypnol, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and benzodiazepines.
The majority of drink-spiking victims are young women, however it is estimated that approximately 20% of drink spiking victims are men. Most drink spiking incidents occur in pubs and clubs, but drink spiking has also been known to occur in private parties, restaurants, and other places.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Drink spiking can lead to assault, robbery, sexual assault and unsafe sex, and health effects from the consumption of the drugs. The effects from consuming a spiked drink will vary, depending on the drug used. Some of these effects might be nausea and vomiting, reduced coordination, loss of balance and loss of consciousness. Some drugs are extremely dangerous when mixed with alcohol and there is a risk that these combinations could result in death.
MINIMISING THE RISKS

• Keep an eye on your drinks, don't leave drinks unattended,
• Never let someone you don't know and trust give you an opened drink,
• Always watch your drink being poured,
• Look out for your friends, if they seem to be behaving strangely or are 'really out of it,' even if they haven't drunk much, get them to a safe place, and
• If you believe you may have consumed a spiked drink, ask someone you trust to get you to a safe place. If possible, keep your drink with you as it may provide useful evidence.
WHERE TO SEEK HELP

• In an emergency, call 000. Alert someone trustworthy, like a friend, or a staff member at the venue,
• Other than in an emergency, contact your local ADF Medical Centre or Psychologist,
• Navy personnel can seek help through their divisional system, local ADPA or can directly contact their local Alcohol and Drug Program Coordinators, and
• Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to seek support and assistance from someone trusted, such as local medical personnel, psychologists, chaplains or social workers.
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Accurate and up-to-date information on drink spiking can be obtained from the following websites: Australian Drug Information Network
Australian Drug Information Network
Australian Drug Foundation
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre