Spiked drinks attacks on rise in UK: what to do if you think your drink has been spiked and steps you can take to stay safe

Rates of drink spiking incidents have reached staggering heights in the UK, according to new figures.

Data obtained under Freedom of Information requests by Sky News show a 108% increase in drink spiking since 2015 in the number of reports to police forces.

The Met Police recorded the most cases in 2017 with 179 reports.

The majority of drink spiking incidents are only recorded when they have resulted in another incident, such as sexual assault.

Here are some safety tips on what to do if you think you or a friend are in danger and steps you can take to prevent your drink from being spiked.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking is when mind-altering substances are added to your drink without you knowing, with the purpose of making you lose control.

There are many reasons as to why individuals are targeted, including to be deliberately malicious or to carry out a sexual assault.

It is illegal and can result in a maximum sentence of ten years for anyone found guilty.

The sentence will be even higher if an assault, rape or robbery has subsequently taken place.

What substances are used to spike drinks?

According to the NHS, alcohol is the most common substance used to spike drinks.

It can be added to a soft (non-alcoholic) drink without you knowing, or double measures can be used instead of singles.

Drugs are also used in drink spiking. Although any drug can be used to spike a drink, the most common form is "date rape" drugs, used with the intention of carrying out a sexual assault.

These can include GHB (which has similar effects to ecstasy), Ketamine and Rohypnol (a similar but much more potent drug to valium).

How do I know if my drink has been spiked?

The effects of some date-rape drugs make last for several hours and if you pass out it can be difficult to even be aware of what's happening to you.

Although your symptoms will depend on the substance taken, they usually include:

• lowered inhibitions

• difficulty concentrating or speaking

• loss of balance and finding it hard to move

• problems with vision

• memory loss or "blackouts"

• feeling confused or disorientated

• paranoia

• hallucinations

• nausea and vomiting

• unconsciousness

What steps can I take to prevent my drink from being spiked?

It can be difficult to know whether your drink has been spiked because usually, your drink won't taste or smell any different.

These tips may help prevent drink spiking:

• Never leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on friends' drinks

• Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know

• Do not share or exchange drinks, or drink leftover drinks

• Stick to bottled drinks and hold your thumb over the opening

• Don't give your address out to anyone you've just met

• If you think your drink has been tampered with - don't drink it. Tell a friend or bar manager immediately.

• Let someone know where you're going before you go out

• Make plans for your journey home

• Avoid taking expensive equipment with you that could be a target for thieves

What to do if you think your drink has been spiked

If you think your drink has been spiked, you should tell someone who you completely trust. This could be:

• a trusted friend or relative

• a pub or bar manager

• security staff

• a medical professional

• the police

If you need urgent help, call 999. Ask to use a phone if yours has been stolen but be wary of accepting help from a stranger or leaving with someone you don't know.

If you feel unwell, someone you trust should take you to A&E.

Report the incident to the police as soon as you can. They may ask you to provide blood and urine samples.

Since most drugs leave the body within 72 hours, it's important to be tested as soon as possible so you can provide this information to the police.