Drink spiking

Drink spiking is defined as deliberately adding alcohol or another drug to someone’s drink without them knowing. It most commonly involves alcohol, occurs at home and by someone you know.

Drink spiking cases are on the rise nationally learn more about  what you can do to stay safe.

Did you know?
  • Around half of drink spiking victims are aged under 24.
  • Often drink spiking happens for fun or as a joke.
  • Sometimes drink spiking is used to assault or rob someone.
  • About one third of drink spiking incidents are associated with a sexual assault.

Drink spiking is illegal in Australia. Penalties include fines and up to 2 years imprisonment.

Regardless of the motivation it is still a criminal offence.

What do people use to spike drinks?

Alcohol is the most common substance used in drink spiking.

Drink Spiking includes making or ordering a stronger drink or adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic drink without consent.

Drink spiking with drugs like GHB and Rohypnol® is rare. But if drugs are used, they’re usually depressants that make you feel like you’re drunk, or about to pass out.

You can’t always tell if your drink is spiked, some substances will not change the taste of your drink.

Strategies for your night out

You can use some of these simple strategies when you’re out at a pub, club or party:

  • Have your drink close to you and keep an eye on it
  • Avoid sharing drinks
  • If someone you don’t know very well offers you a drink, go to the bar with them and watch the bartender pour your drink
  • If you think your drink tastes weird, pour it out
  • Buy or pour your own drinks – many people have their drinks spiked by someone they know
  • Avoid rounds or shouts with people you don’t know
  • Keep an eye on your friends and their drinks

How do I know if a drink has been spiked?

The drug or extra alcohol in your drink could be colourless, odourless and tasteless, so you might not be able to tell if your drink has been spiked.

Warning signs can include:

  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Feeling ill or sleepy
  • Feeling drunk even if you have only had a little bit of alcohol to drink
  • Passing out
  • Waking up feeling uncomfortable and confused, with memory blanks about the night before

This can feel a lot like being drunk, however, if alcohol and/or another drug has been added it will happen more quickly and often more intensely.

What can I do if my drink has been spiked?

You know your body better than anyone. Trust your instincts.

If you feel like your drink has been spiked, you can:

  • Ask someone you trust to help you get to a safe place
  • If you’re not out with people you trust, talk to one of the venue staff or security
  • If you feel really unwell or have been sexually assaulted, go to an emergency department or the nearest hospital
  • Call an ambulance – they are only interested in your safety and will not involve the police unless you want them to.
  • Ask your doctor to test for the presence of drugs – urine or blood tests can pick up traces of certain drugs up to 24 hours later
  • Report the incident to police.

Drink spiking is serious: In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or the nearest police station.

Who can I call?

  • TRIPLE ZERO (000) for emergencies or life threatening situations
  • Lifeline (131 114) 24 hour crisis line
  • Police Assistance Line (131 444) for non emergencies
  • Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) To provide crime information. You can remain anonymous.
  • 1800RESPECT for more information and for sexual assault

Who can I contact on campus?

UON Security can provide immediate response and support.

Phone: (02) 4921 5888

Campus Care can provide support, information, and advice on incidents of drink spiking on and off campus. This may include supporting a report to police or the university. You can reach out via phone, email or by making a report online. When reporting online, you can remain anonymous.

Phone: (02) 4921 8600

Email: campuscare@newcastle.edu.au

Support available for students

If you are in need of support, the University has a number of services available.