Police Scotland provide the following guidance on their website:
If you or someone you know are experiencing the following symptoms, it could be an indication of spiking:
- confusion
- nausea or vomiting
- hallucinations and paranoia
- disorientation or poor coordination
- loss of ability to communicate properly
- unconsciousness
It can be difficult to spot the symptoms as they vary depending on what you have been spiked with and can be similar to having excess alcohol. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away.
If you or someone else has symptoms:
- Call 999 if the person is seriously ill or unconscious
- Call 111 for non-emergency medical advice
- Ask venue staff or trusted friends to help you access medical support
- Do not leave the affected person alone
- It is also possible to walk-in to Accident and Emergency (A&E) in hospitals to receive medical attention.
- Consider reporting to Police Scotland (999 for emergency) (101 for non-emergency)
If you think there may have been a sexual assault, click here (Sexual Violence & Abuse: It has happened to me) for further options.
What will happen if you report an incident of spiking to Police Scotland?
- Once reported, and if spiking is suspected, officers may take a non-invasive urine sample.
- Some drugs leave the body in less than 12 hours, so it is important to report and test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer so testing can take place up to seven days after the incident.
- The test results will come back in three weeks and Police will keep you updated on progress.
- It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please don’t let this stop you reporting. We know it can be scary to report, but Police are here to help you.
- Police will also determine whether any additional crimes against you have occurred and support with this.
Supporting resources for students and staff
- If you are currently unsafe or believe you are at risk of immediate danger, please contact Police Scotland on 999.
- Crew is a harm reduction and outreach charity based in Scotland. They have created a booklet to provide information on what spiking is, how you can identify the signs, and how you can look after yourself and others. A copy of the booklet can be found here.
- Crew additionally provide a drop-in service which provides various forms of harm reduction support. The Drop-In at 32 Cockburn St, and the Digital Drop-In service are open to the public. The Digital Drop-In can be accessed via dropin@crew2000.org.uk, 07860047501 or Direct message on Instagram at @crew_200.
- Rape Crisis Scotland have a useful handout on drug assisted sexual violence that can be found here. To view more of their resources or contact them directly to arrange support, you can do so at Rape Crisis Scotland
- SARCS – If you believe you may have experienced drug assisted sexual violence in the past 7 days, you can contact SARCS on 0800 148 88 88 to arrange forensic examination if you wish, and link into further supports.
- If you require emergency medical treatment, you can contact the ambulance service on 999 or attend Accident and Emergency at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
- In addition, if you are a student, the University's Equally Safe Team can offer to meet with you, where you can talk through your experience in a confidential, safe space. They can also link you in with relevant support across the university, and externally.