As the end-of-year brings with it the festive season and Schoolies period, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is encouraging all community members to be vigilant about their safety, look out for each other and recognise the signs of drink spiking.
Drink spiking is a serious criminal offence. It occurs when someone tampers with another person's drink without their consent and can take many forms, including the addition of alcohol, drugs and even prescription medications.
The act of drink spiking can happen anytime, anywhere, including licensed venues, small gatherings, and private parties and can have a range of side effects from sudden drowsiness and confusion to unconsciousness and more.
As people across the state prepare for their end-of-year celebrations, police are urging everyone to be aware of the signs of drink spiking and to seek medical support immediately.
Common signs that you or someone you know may have been a victim of drink spiking:
- Feelings of dizziness, nausea, or unusually affected by alcohol
- Sudden drowsiness, confusion or loss of coordination
- Waking up with little to no memory of events
- Your drink tasting, appearing, or smelling different than usual
There are several simple, proactive steps that can be taken to help keep yourself and your friends safe.
- Take your own drinks to parties.
- Never leave your drinks unattended.
- Only accept drinks from trusted people.
- Watch your drink being poured.
- Don't accept an open container of drink from anyone.
- If you feel very drunk in a shorter amount of time compared to the amount of drinks that you have consumed, immediately tell a friend or someone in authority.
- Consider keeping your drink covered at all times. For example, place a hand or coaster over a glass or your thumb over a bottle to reduce the risk of drink spiking.
If you believe you, or someone you know, has been the victim of drink spiking, early reporting can make a difference in preventing further offences and ensuring your safety.
If you believe you may have been spiked, please seek immediate assistance and report it to police.
For more information visit QPS Drugs and alcohol or QPS Adult Sexual Assault Page
How you can help others
If you become aware someone needs assistance, you can help by:
- Providing support to a friend/acquaintance in need.
- Calling the police – Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
- Verbally or physically intervening (depending on the circumstances and the perceived threat to your own safety).
- Referring the person to police or other agencies that may assist them
- Calling Policelink 131 444 for other matters
