Sometimes, the best escape from the cramped work week is attending a party with your friends or loved ones. Going bar-hopping or clubbing can be fun and uplifting, but only if the right precautions are taken. No matter where you go, you always face the risks of running into dangers, particularly from people who mean to cause harm. Under a particularly nasty circumstance, you or a friend may find that your beverage has more of a “kick” than you had planned. Once you set down a drink or turn your back, a person can spike your drink, resulting in terrifying consequences. Let’s take a closer look at this terrible incident and see what you can do to prevent it from happening to you or a loved one.
What is Drink Spiking?
Drink spiking takes place when drugs or alcohol are dropped in a person’s drink without that individual giving permission and, even more disturbing, it can take place anywhere, including private homes, nightclubs, parties, restaurants, pubs, and more. Typically, drink spiking is premeditated. For example, a culprit may put a relaxant in a glass of juice as part of a plan to sexually assault a victim. As a result of consuming the tainted drink, the victim will be easier to subdue.
Here are incidents that are categorized as “drink spiking”:
- Pouring an alcohol drink into a non-alcoholic drink (e.g. water, punch)
- Adding more alcohol to an alcoholic drink
- Adding illegal or prescription drugs to a drink
Some of the most common drugs used to spike drinks are GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid), Rohypnol, ketamine, and Ecstasy (also known as Molly).
How You Can Take Charge
Now that we have covered this unfortunate event, here are some simple and life-saving precautions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from being victimized:
- Don’t ever accept a canned drink that has already been opened
- Never drink from a punch bowl
- Never drink from a glass or bottle that has been shared by a crowd of people
- Never accept a drink someone has purchased and handed to you. Order your own drinks and get them yourself.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- If you have left your drink unattended or are having second thoughts, pour the drink out and get a new one. Always trust your instincts.
- If you notice a strange residue on your glass, don’t drink from it.
- Use the “safety in numbers” method. Have your friends watch out for you, and you keep an eye on your friends.
- If you suspect you or one of your friends has been drugged, call 911. In this case, keep as much evidence on your person as you can and cooperate with authorities and medical officers.
Always remember that drugs and alcohol do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction or alcoholism troubles today.