- First-year university students attending Freshers’ Week are being urged to stay vigilant against spiking as they enter unfamiliar environments.
- Colin Mackie, co-founder of Spike Aware UK, warned that spiking can occur via drinks, needles, vapes or food, with symptoms acting rapidly and often mistaken for drunkenness.
- Spiking can have potentially fatal consequences, particularly if the administered drug interacts with a victim's existing medication or allergies.
- Immediate medical help should be sought if spiking is suspected, as some substances can leave the body in as little as six hours.
- Key prevention advice includes covering drinks, never leaving them unattended, looking out for friends, and notifying venue staff immediately if spiking is suspected.
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