Drink spiking is the illegal act of placing a substance into a drink with the intention of causing harm to the drinker. In recent years, media reports have shown drink spiking to be on the rise. Whether this can be attributed to sensational reporting or fact, drink spiking is something that everyone should be cautious of.

The reasons behind drink spiking may include theft, rape, assault or just plain amusement. Drink spiking is illegal, and if a person is found guilty, he or she will face a heavy penalty. The act is illegal even if no assault or harm comes to the person whose drink has been spiked.

The symptoms of drink spiking depend on the substance added to the drink. Symptoms may also depend on how much alcohol the drinker has ingested. Other factors affecting the symptoms include the age of the victim and his or her body shape and size.

Signs that one's drink has been spiked often include disorientation and dizziness. Hallucinations may occur, along with vomiting and nausea. The victim may also suffer from lethargy and slurred speech. Loss of memory is also a sign of drink spiking, especially regarding events of the night in question. Drink spiking has been known on occasion to induce coma or even death.

Any drug can be used to spike a drink, but the most common is flunitrazepam, also known as rohypnol. This drug has been reported frequently in the press as the date rape drug. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine are also frequently used to spike drinks because of their anesthetic qualities when mixed with alcohol. These drugs have no taste, color or odor, and symptoms usually appear within five to 30 minutes and have been known to last for around 12 hours. It is almost impossible to tell if they have been placed into a drink.

There are some precautionary guidelines that can help prevent drink spiking. Never leave a drink unattended, and always keep your drink in your hand. Do not accept a drink from someone that you do not know, and be vigilant when friends leave drinks unattended.

If you experience the symptoms of drink spiking after consuming only a small quantity of alcohol, seek help immediately. Make sure that you stay with friends and go to a safe place right away. Drugs can leave the body within 12 to 72 hours, so it is important to be tested as soon as possible.