Drink Spiking

Drugs | Smoking | Drink Spiking | Drinking

Drink spiking is when alcohol or a drug is added to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent. It can also be referred to as a ‘Mickey Finn’ or being ‘slipped a Mickey’. It is extremely dangerous and illegal. Over the past few years drink spiking has become more common in the UK and has been associated with crimes such as robbery, assault, sexual assault and drug rape. The person spiking the drink wants to make their victim helpless and the drugs commonly used (like Rohypnol) to spike drink make the victim disorientated, confused, sleepy and/or unconscious.




Its not just alcoholic drinks that can be spiked. Because you can’t taste or smell some drugs like Rohypnol, they can be hidden in soft drinks or tea and coffee. Also the taste of some alcohol can be masked by sweet drinks. So be careful who you accept drinks from and be aware of the following warning signs:

Suddenly feeling ill, drowsy or “drunk” when you have haven’t consumed alcohol
Passing out
Being unable to control your limbs or speak properly
Waking up feeling uncomfortable and/or not remembering what has happened.


If you think that you have been the victim of drink spiking it is important that you act quickly.

  • If you are not at home, go to a safe place and tell someone you trust immediately.
  • Call a doctor or go to hospital. Some drugs only stay in the body for a very short time so it is important that you get medical assistance as soon as possible.
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Find out more about the laws relating to alcohol in the Law Zone

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