The Spiking Epidemic

Caterina Rossi

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When was the last time you worried about your drink being spiked on a night out? 

A recent survey from YouGov shows disheartening figures: 1 out of 10 women claim they had their drink spiked at least once. The number amounts to a total of 35 percent when it also includes women who know someone who has been. The statistics are slightly different for men, with 28 percent of them having been or knowing a victim. 

These findings highlight a concerning reality. Spiking is illegal, so why is it happening at these alarming rates? 

London, a couple of hours before midnight. 

You did not feel like doing anything too wild tonight. All you wanted was to have a chill evening with your friends and a few beers at the local pub. You have an early train to catch tomorrow, so ending up wasted was never in your plans. As you look around, you cannot help but feel a surge of happiness warming your heart. Your best mates are here, playing snooker and laughing.  

As the night wears on and the hours draw closer to midnight, however, you find yourself increasingly uneasy. Despite your initial intentions of having a relaxed evening, a subtle sense of unease begins to creep over you. You try to brush it off. Tonight is supposed to be lovely. You glance around the pub, taking in the familiar faces of your friends; you are safe. Yet, something feels off, a nagging suspicion that refuses to vanish. You are probably just exhausted.  

“This story is only one brief account of the thousands of reports many have heard, seen or experienced”

But as the minutes tick by, the feeling intensifies. Your movements become sluggish, and your thoughts muddled. You feel disoriented. Where are you again? The pub. You are safe. Where is everyone, though? What happened? You stare at your reflection in a foul restroom mirror, but the girl behind the glass does not look like you. A man suddenly bursts in and tells you are in the wrong toilet: “Gents, here”. But his laugh soon fades. “Are you ok? Did you have too much to drink?”  

“Did I?” Your heart rate begins to sprint: “I didn’t, I didn’t, I didn’t… Why is everyone screaming?”  

Nine o’clock the next morning. You silently curse, peaking at the time. You missed the train, yet you are unable to remember anything else. How did you return home? What happened to you? You obsessively go through your scattered memories of the previous night. They are all you have. 

This story is only one brief account of the thousands of reports many have heard, seen or experienced.

Disheartening Statistics

According to  YouGov, at least four out of ten Britons are “not very or at all confident” the police would believe their claim, whereas 15 percent of them are “not confident at all”. It is reasonable to imply this crime might, therefore, frequently go unreported. Society underestimates the true extent of the problem, leading to a tendency to ignore its severity and avoid discussions around it. 

“Even if the police were to believe them, many victims fear very little can be done”

Furthermore, spiking victims frequently suffer from “memory loss” and might subsequently be more reluctant to involve the police, fearing they might not believe them because of their fragmented recollections of events. Even if the police were to believe them, many victims fear very little can be done due to their cloudy memory.

The scarcity of evidence the crime leaves behind further aggravates the situation. The nature of the substances used for spiking often complicates the process of detection, making it challenging for standard toxicology tests to find any incriminating trace.  

So, what should be done to address this issue?

The Next Steps:  

Addressing the epidemic of spiking requires a multifaceted approach that involves several groups. Considering the statistics, tackling misinformation about the severity of the phenomenon and building major trust amongst the public must be at the core of each of the following steps: 

1. Raise awareness

Almost half of British adults rely on social media to consume news, whereas 71 percent of individuals below 25 use them as their primary source of information. Social media campaigns could inspire members of online communities to share their stories, opinions and advice. This approach would allow spiking victims to feel understood, creating a safety net. Feeling less isolated, more individual could be more willing to report their experiences, as seen in the #MeToo movement, which emerged on Twitter/X.  

2. Training 

Encouraging individuals to share their cases with the police is not enough. If four out of ten Britons have little to no trust in the possibility that the police believe their claim, law enforcement officers must earn this trust. All police officers should be aware of the unpromising statistics and act accordingly. Specialized training in how to handle victims’ reports with the attention they deserve, for instance, would be a good start.  

3. Education

The phenomenon and its consequences need to be examined and discussed. Beyond the possible distressing physical results, spiking can also bear psychological repercussions. For instance, in the long run, victims are more likely to suffer from PTSD and anxiety, while also developing trust issues. Schools and universities are a suitable environment to address and discuss the problem. Organising workshops and seminars led by experts is crucial to raising awareness among future generations about the dangers of spiking.

Great to be teaching in schools on drug issues including spiking, together we can make change ⁦@DevonLiveNews⁩ ⁦@DC_Police⁩ ⁦@AlisonHernandez⁩ @dan pic.twitter.com/PXdhYajhLm

— Stamp Out Spiking (@StampOutSpiking) April 18, 2024

The phenomenon of spiking takes advantage of its secretive, elusive nature. Its alarming yet unknown prevalence represents an insidious challenge that requires a comprehensive response. The first step to combat a problem is to recognise it in the first place. By addressing misinformation, raising awareness, and enhancing forensic capabilities, we can work towards preventing and mitigating the harm caused by this crime.