Spiking – what to do if you believe you’ve had your drink spiked
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge.
Spiking can happen to anyone anywhere – no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. It can be carried out by strangers or by people you know.
People can also be the victims of “needle spiking”, which is injecting someone with drugs without their consent.
Most cases of spiking don’t result in sexual assault or theft. But spiking can cause severe distress, emotional harm and anxiety. It can take a long time to recover from someone spiking you.
Spiking can put you at greater risk of injury, theft or assault. It is also dangerous to drive when someone has spiked you. This is why Cumbria Police treats spiking reports as seriously as those of violent, physical attacks.
Reporting spiking
Cumbria Police encourages anyone who believes they have been spiked to report this to our officers as quickly as you can. This helps ensure that a victim is provided the support they need as soon as possible.
Reporting early also means police can conduct their investigation, maximise evidential opportunities and prevent others from being spiked at the earliest opportunity.
You can report an incident of spiking online by our dedicated online form, available at: Report spiking | Cumbria Police. You can also call police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.
What happens when you are tested?
Police will take a non-invasive urine sample. Some drugs leave the body in a very short time (within 12 hours), so it’s important to test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer, so testing will be considered up to seven days after the incident.
This test used is the most effective way of finding out whether you have been spiked. If you are tested in a hospital or by a GP, you will need to also have a police test, as this is what can be used as evidence to support charges or convictions.
Please also tell the police how much you have drunk and whether you have voluntarily taken drugs, as we will be able to provide a more accurate result.
What happens next?
The investigating officer will keep you updated on the progress of your case.
More information and further advice is available on Cumbria Police’s website. You can access this at: Spiking | Cumbria Police.
