TOGETHER WE CAN
END
DRINK SPIKING IN
BRISTOL

What is Drink Spiking?

Drink spiking refers to the act of adding drugs or alcohol to people's drinks to try and influence their behaviours. Please be aware of the following things:

People putting alcohol into a non-alcoholic drink.
People putting more alcohol into an alcoholic drink.
People slipping prescription or illegal drugs into a drink (such as benzodiazepines, amphetamines or GHB – also called liquid ecstasy).
Confusion
Nausea or vomiting
Hallucinations
Disorientation
Inability to communicate clearly
Paranoia
Poor coordination
Poor visibility
Unconsciousness

DRINK SPIKING SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can vary depending on the size and height of the person, type and amount of drug or alcohol used or how much alcohol was consumed prior to the incident. Here’s some things to look out for:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK
A DRINK HAS BEEN SPIKED?

Bristol’s venues, Avon and Somerset Police, Bristol City Council, and Bristol City Centre BID have been working very closely to put a plan into action to help end drink spiking in our city. Testing kits are being made available across the city and a training manual has been produced for every venue team.

Drink spiking is a crime and everyone takes it very seriously.You will be listened to and believed.

INSIDE THE VENUE

If you or anyone you are with has been a victim of drink spiking  inform the venue team immediately. This is what will happen:

If medical assistance is required, this will be arranged immediately.
If medical assistance is required, this will be arranged immediately.
The venue team will ensure you are safe as a first priority.
Some venues have been provided with drink spiking testing kits to immediately detect the presence of drugs.
If the venue doesn’t have kits then they will call the police who will be able to do the test instead, as well as taking the drink as evidence.
As well as testing the drink, the police or a medical professional might perform a blood test or urine test. It is very important that this is done immediately as some drugs are only present in the body for 12 hours.
The venue and Police will collaborate to collect any evidence required related to the crime including getting CCTV of the incident and other forensic evidence.
If you have already left the venue and the incident has just happened, call 999 for the Police to attend or to arrange an ambulance if you require urgent medical assistance.
If you are reporting this incident more than 12 hours afterwards, please call 101 and record what happened. Police will then advise appropriate action.

IF YOU HAVE LEFT THE VENUE

Drink spiking is a
premeditated act, a
personal violation and
a crime. it carries
a sentance of up to
10 years in prison

WHERE CAN YOU GET
SUPPORT IN BRISTOL?

The bridge

If you experienced sexual assault as a result of drink spiking The Bridge provides emotional, medical and practical care and support for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted including the opportunity to have evidence collected without the pressure to make an immediate decision about calling the police.

0117 342 6999 (24 hours) to speak to a specially trained crisis worker

www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk

THE SURVIVOR PATHWAY

If you want to know more about specialist sexual violence support services in Bristol, the Bristol survivor pathway is a guide for all kinds of physical and emotional issues arising from drink spiking.

survivorpathway.org.uk/bristol

BRISTOL MIND

If you want to speak to someone about how you are feeling, Bristol Mind can signpost help and support groups as well as putting you in touch with specialists to suit you.

bristolmind.org.uk

SARSAS

This specialist support service is there for anyone in Bristol who has experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.

sarsas.org.uk

OTR

If you’re aged between 11-25, OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people.

otrbristol.org.uk

THE DROP - BRISTOL DRUG
PROJECT

The Drop is BDP’s one-stop-shop for information and support for people who use recreational and party drugs or have experienced a drug related incident.

bdp.org.uk/thedrop/

Are you a venue
or part of a venue team?

Download our Drink Spiking Procedure Guide PDF