Report spiking

Spiking is illegal and can carry a sentence of up to ten years in prison, even when no other offence has been committed.

Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s body without them knowing or agreeing.

This can include:

adding alcohol to someone’s drink without them knowing
putting drugs into a drink, food, cigarette, or vape
injecting someone with drugs without their permission

Spiking can make someone vulnerable to other crimes, such as theft, sexual assault or rape.

Rape, sexual assault or offence as a result of spiking

If you think you were spiked and may have been sexually assaulted, you can report:

by phone – call 999 immediately
online – fill in our report rape, sexual assault or sexual offence form
in person – visit a local police station

Spiking symptoms

Spiking can cause:

confusion and disorientation
nausea and vomiting
hallucinations and paranoia
poor coordination and vision
an inability to communicate clearly
memory loss and blackouts

What to do if you have been spiked

Keep hold of the item you believe may have been spiked, if possible, as it could be used in evidence.
Tell the people you went out with that you think you may have been spiked.
If you are in a bar or nightclub, report spiking to a member of staff who will be able to help and support you.
If you are injured or have symptoms you are worried about after being spiked, call the NHS on 111.

Report spiking

online – fill in the report a crime or incident form
in person – visit police station

Guidance and support

Further support can be found on our spiking advice and guidance page.

If you think you may have been sexually assaulted, and after you have reported this to police, you can go to your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for specialist care and support.

For more information, including the laws against spiking and potential prison sentences for guilty offenders, read GOV.UK’s spiking factsheet.