Nearly a quarter of 18 to 43-year-olds believe they have been 'spiked'

A quarter of 18-43-year-olds believe they have been given drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or consent at some point, shocking figures reveal.

St John Ambulance is urging members of the public to learn ‘spiking first aid’ to help anyone affected during the Christmas party season.

Spiking can involve putting alcohol or drugs into drinks, needle spiking – where people are injected – or vape or cigarette spiking, where drugs are put into these products.

Symptoms of spiking include feeling drunk or drowsy, being ‘out of it’ or more drunk than expected, mental confusion, slurred speech, memory loss, loss of inhibitions, nausea, vomiting and breathing problems.

Victims may also suffer muscle spasms or seizures, loss of consciousness or a severe hangover after drinking little or no alcohol.

In new advice, St John said victims should be kept hydrated by encouraging them to drink water little and often, put in a safe place and always have somebody with them.

If a person thinks they have been spiked, they or a friend should alert bar staff and the police, including reporting any suspicious behaviour.

If the victim becomes unresponsive, others should put them in the recovery position and call an ambulance.

Members of the public should also know how to do CPR in case somebody stops breathing.

Their poll of 2,000 people across the UK revealed 23 per cent of 18-43-year-olds felt they had ‘definitely’ been spiked, rising to 41 per cent including those who believe they have ‘possibly’ been spiked.

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The organisation’s medical director, Dr Lynn Thomas, said: ‘Our latest research shows this awful crime continues to blight people’s social lives when they are simply wanting to go out and enjoy time together.

‘While we fully support all efforts to prevent and prosecute spiking incidents, St John aims to teach people how to care for one another when the worst happens.

‘Recognising the symptoms of spiking is a critical first step in that care and will help protect victims from further harm.

‘Staying with a spiking victim, monitoring them and being ready to give first aid could save their life. We’re urging people to equip themselves with that knowledge.’

People are being urged to search Switch on to Spiking online to learn more.

Although spiking is already illegal, the Labour Government has said it will make giving someone alcohol or drugs, without them knowing or agreeing, a specific criminal offence.

Statistics released last December revealed that, on average, police receive 561 reports of spiking per month. However, it is believed that spiking is under-reported.