Students at University of Bristol are being warned to watch over their drinks when at student bars and other haunts in the city. There has been a rash of drink spiking at the university, especially one at a party in Wills Hall. Several victims have come forward after experiencing illnesses associated with drink spiking using notorious date rape drugs. Although the incidents occurred in Bristol, students everywhere are being warned about the practice.
Drink Spiking Facts
Victims have their drinks spiked for one of several reasons.
- Although it is believed that sexual assault or rape are the most common reasons for drink spiking, it’s relatively rare. It’s more commonly used to facilitate robbery or mugging
- Sometimes people spike drinks for “a laugh”, and observe other students going through the sickness after a spiking. They simply wish to observe what happens to the victim, possibly with a view to planning a more serious incident
- We all know about date rape drugs such as GHB, ketamine and Rohypnol, but the most common drug used in drink spiking is alcohol. Instigators put stronger alcohol types in drinks (for example, a double vodka in a pint of beer or spiking soft drinks with spirits)
- As a result, alcohol poisoning is the most common effect of a drink spiking
- Girls and women are not the sole targets of drink spiking. Men are just as likely to be a victim, especially considering that mugging is the motive for most drink spiking incidents
How to Protect Yourself Against Drink Spiking
Drink spiking is not quite the epidemic it is often made out to be in the media. In the latest incident, three people suffered spiking at a party in Bristol. However, that probably isn’t much consolation for those who became ill because of the incident. There are steps you can take to protect yourself while on a night out. This applies to male and female students.
The most crucial step is never to accept drinks from strangers. Buying a round is a common activity in the UK, and we’d hate for this important social bonding action to end. However, if you allow a strange to buy a round, ensure you are present at the bar when they buy it. Alternatively, insist on buying your own drinks.
Finish a drink before going to the toilet or take it with you. This might sound unhygienic, but cubicles and urinals have places where it is possible to put drinks so it never leaves your line of sight.
Get used to the friends around you. The more you trust them, the less likely you are to get your drink spiked. Friends are less likely to do it and will watch your drink when you need to leave the table.