If you have been spiked its important to remember what has happened is not your fault and you're not alone. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important things right now and you can access specialist support, if and whenever you feel ready.
What to do if you think you've been spiked
- If you start to feel strange, sick or drunk when you know that you couldn’t be drunk, get help from a trusted friend or the venue management.
- If you think you may have been spiked, ask a close friend to get you out of the venue or party as soon as possible and either take you home or to hospital (if seriously unwell). You could also ring a friend, relative or partner and ask them to come and pick you up.
- If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened you can ask for help by approaching venue staff and asking for ‘Angela’. This is a coded-phrase that indicates you need help and a trained member of staff will support and assist you. You can also ask for 'Angela' if you are in any situation where you feel threatened or at risk.
- Once you are safely home ask someone to stay with you until the effects of the drug have worn off - this might take several hours.
- Don’t hesitate to call for medical help if you need it - it's always better to get checked out.
- If you feel able and comfortable to, make a report to the police as soon as possible. Some substances used for spiking can’t be detected after 72 hours or even 12 hours, so doing this as early as possible can help the police find out what has happened.
University Support
- Speak to adviser An adviser will get in touch to discuss your options with you and will be able to offer appropriate practical and emotional support tailored to your circumstances. This is confidential and does not instigate any kind of formal reporting process.
- Wellbeing and Inclusion Support Team University can feel challenging at times, and you don’t have to face it alone. The Wellbeing and Inclusion Support Team are there to support you every step of the way. Arrange to speak with them — they will take the time to listen, understand your situation, and help identify the support that’s right for you. They can also guide you through your options and help connect you with the most appropriate services, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed and feel confident throughout your university journey.
- For more information visit https://safer.scot/spiking/
- Health Assured Health Assured is the provider of the University's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), helping colleagues to balance their work, family, and personal lives. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through its confidential counselling, legal, and information telephone helpline. Employees also have access to an online health portal, which includes live chat support, as well as the Wisdom app.
Reporting Options
- Police. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger you should dial 999. Otherwise, you can call 101 or visit your local police station to report a crime. Reporting is a big decision and all of the support services linked to above can support you with this, if you decide to make a police report.
- University. If the perpetrator is a member of the University community you will have the option of submitting a formal report. The first step to making a formal report is to speak with an adviser, who will be able to provide you with advice and support on what options are available to make an informed decision.