Monday, 9 February marks the beginning of an often-highly anticipated period in the student calendar with Raise and Give Week officially commencing. Jam-packed with fundraising and social events, the week often represents the pinnacle of the student social experience each year. However, with larger crowds and greater social opportunities, it is important to consider the greater risk of spiking.
Spiking occurs when somebody gives you drugs or alcohol without your knowledge or consent. It can occur if drugs are put into a drink, if more alcohol or drugs are given than what one has asked or is aware of e.g. a double shot instead of a single one or when a substance is injected into someone with a needle.
In November 2025, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan stated that there were 60 reported incidents of spiking in Ireland in 2024, stating that “it is a crime that preys on vulnerability, undermines consent, and is effectively poisoning”. Currently in Ireland, spiking is recognised as a criminal offence under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 punishable by up to seven years imprisonment.
How To Know If You Have Been Spiked
It can be difficult to recognise when a drink has been spiked with many substances producing no change in colour, odour or flavour. However there can be some warning signs to be aware of
– A change in colour. Certain substances can alter the colour of your drink. Rohypnol, a common date rape drug, which induces extreme sedation and anterograde amnesia (inability to remember recent events) turns blue when added to clear liquids. However, it may be difficult to observe this effect in darker colour drinks. If you question the colour of your drink, your best bet is to get a new one.
– Excess bubbles. Certain spiking drugs such as benzodiazepines and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) can produce excess fizziness upon reacting with liquid. If an uncarbonated or previously clear drink looks fizzy or cloudy, do not drink it.
– Changes in taste. If there are subtle changes in the taste of your drink, such as increased saltiness or bitterness, do not finish it.
Symptoms of Spiking
The effects of spiking begin to take effect within 15-30 minutes after consuming the spiked drink. While the severity of symptoms differ based the potency and volume of the substance consumed as well as personal factors including the individual’s body size, age and prescription drugs taken, common symptoms include
– Nausea or vomiting
– Reduced inhibition
– Unconsciousness or passing out
– Drowsiness, confusion and disorientation
– Paranoia
– Hallucinations
– Memory loss or blackouts
– Feeling drunker than you should
What To Do If You Think That You Have Been Spiked
According to the HSE, if you feel that you or somebody around you has been spiked, you should tell someone you know straight away and stay in their company. If you are out, let a member of security know and then go to a safe place.
If you begin to feel seriously unwell, call 112 or 999 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you do not seek medical care immediately, when at home, ask someone to stay with you until the effects of the substances wear off. Ensure to drink water and rest. When you feel better, write down anything you remember that happened if you wish to make a report to the Gardai.
How To Protect Yourself from Being Spiked
While being the victim of spiking is never your fault, there are a number of preventative measures that you can take to protect yourself from being spiked.
– Do not leave your drinks unattended for any duration of time or when using the bathroom – Do not accept drinks from strangers and if you are accepting a drink from somebody, ensure that you watch the bartender open or pour it
– Drink from a bottle or can if possible so that there is a reduced risk of somebody slipping something into it without your knowledge
– Ensure that you have alerted somebody of where you plan on going and what time you intend to come home so that they may be aware if something amiss takes place
