Drink spiking

Drink spiking occurs when alcohol or another substance is added to your drink without your knowledge. Drink spiking is illegal and serious.

Many people who have had their drinks spiked do not report it because they feel they will not be believed or they will be blamed, particularly if they have already been drinking.

However, drink spiking is illegal, regardless of what you were doing at the time.

What to do if you think your drink has been spiked

You may not be able to know if your drink is spiked but some of the warning signs are:

  • Feeling sick or sleepy;
  • Feeling dizzy or faint;
  • Feeling drunk when you have only consumed a small amount of alcohol; and
  • Memory loss.

If you or a friend suspects a drink has been spiked you are encouraged to report it to the Police.

Testing is available in the metropolitan area at any 24hr police station and at all police stations in regional WA.  

Reporting the incident within 48-hours means a urine sample can be analysed. A positive test confirms the drink spiking and provides good evidence for prosecution. Police will be interested in all the circumstances surrounding the drink spiking such as last drink and descriptions of persons-of-interest. 

If you or someone you know has had their drink spiked it is important to speak out and to encourage other people to also speak out so the stigma is reduced, and people know they will be taken seriously if they report it. 

What happens if I test positive?

One a person receives their confidential results, they are then able to decide if they wish to make a criminal complaint to police or seek support and/or counselling from other agencies.

What if the tests shows other illicit drugs in my system?

WA Police will not be taking any action in relation to other illicit drugs that may show up in this testing other than those related to a ‘drink spiking’ incident.

Safety tips

  • Always keep your drink close to you and do not leave it unattended.
  • Do not share drinks with other people. 
  • If you are offered a drink by someone you don’t know well, go to the bar with them and watch the bartender pour your drink.
  • Never leave your drink unattended while you dance or go to the toilet.
  • If you think your drink tastes odd, dispose of it. 
  • Keep an eye on your friends and their drinks as well.
  • Be wary if someone buys you a different drink from what you asked for.

If you feel uncomfortable in the presence of the person you are with, leave their company and if you or your friends exhibit the above symptoms, including appearing intoxicated (loss of inhibitions, poor coordination, drowsiness, confusion or unconsciousness) after a small amount of alcohol, get to a safe place and seek help.

Downloadable Resources

A4 Poster (click to download)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DL Flyer (click to download)

  

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External Links