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A night out with friends should be safe and fun. But an increasing number of people are reporting drink spiking going on at clubs, festivals and house parties. 

That means it’s becoming more common for somebody to add a drug – including alcohol – to your drink without your knowledge. It’s usually done to make you vulnerable so they can steal from you, or assault you physically or sexually.

This leaflet contains tips and advice to help prevent you and your friends from being spiked and what to do if you think you have been spiked.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SPIKING DRUGS

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most common drug used to spike drinks. It can happen in several ways, such as getting somebody a double when they asked for a single, adding alcohol to someone’s drink when they’re not looking, or buying drinks for someone who’s already drunk.

Drugs

Some common substances used for spiking include the following: 

• GHB/GBL
• Benzodiazepines 
•  (Valium and Rohypnol)
• Ketamine

These drugs can sedate or confuse someone. They can dangerously reduce someone’s awareness of what’s going on and make them unresponsive physically, particularly when mixed with alcohol.

They risk slowing your heart and breathing and can lead to unconsciousness. They often go unnoticed in drinks because they’re colourless and don’t taste or smell of much. 

SIGNS OF SPIKING

• A sudden increase in how drunk or affected someone seems
• Feeling dizzy or sick
• Confusion
• Trouble with balance or coordination
• Slurred speech or difficulty talking
• Throwing up
• Passing out

AVOIDING DRINK SPIKING

The best way to avoid getting spiked is to look out for each other while you’re out drinking. These tips will help you create a safe environment and reduce risks.

Keep an eye on your drink

Keep an eye on your drink, and never leave it unattended. Take your drink with you when you go to the toilet or to dance. Or if you’re buying a round, take a friend so you can carry all the glasses in one go. If you notice any changes to the appearance or taste of your drink, pour it away.

Be cautious

Only accept drinks from people you trust. 

Spikeys and bottle stops

‘Spikeys’ or bottle-stops help protect your drink and make it harder for someone to add something. Some bars will supply these, or you can buy them online and take them out with you.

Buy drinks in screw bottle tops

You can buy drinks that come in bottles with screw-top lids and are more difficult to spike.

IF YOU THINK SOMEONE HAS SPIKED YOU OR A FRIEND

Tell somebody

If you suspect someone has spiked you or a friend, tell a member of staff or a friend straightaway and find a safe space. Don’t wander off alone or leave your friends behind.

Feeling unsafe

Be careful when accepting help from strangers or anyone who makes you feel unsafe. Think very carefully about whether you should leave a pub, club or party with someone you’ve just met. If you feel in danger, dial 999. 

Feeling unwell

If you feel unwell, head directly to the nearest A&E. If you’re not feeling that unwell but think you’ve been spiked, ask a friend to go home with you until the effects wear off.

REPORTING SPIKING

If you feel up to it, report the spiking to the police immediately. It’s important because many spiking drugs become undetectable in your system as quickly as 12 hours later. Early reporting can assist the police in understanding what happened.

Don’t let the fact you might have taken drugs yourself stop you, as it’s not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system unless you’re driving.

When you report a suspected spiking incident, the police may ask you for blood and urine samples. Take someone you trust along for support. 

IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN ASSAULTED

If you’ve been spiked, you may have no memory of being assaulted because certain substances induce amnesia. But, if you suspect something has happened, here’s what to do:  

• Confide in someone you trust
• Seek medical care for any injuries
• Report it to the police immediately

Reporting an incident allows police to review CCTV, quickly identify suspects, and educate venue staff on preventing future spiking.

DON’T LOOK THE OTHER WAY

Adding extra alcohol or drugs to a drink makes people vulnerable and puts them at risk.

If you know someone who’s thinking of spiking someone, challenge them and consider reporting it.

INJECTION SPIKING

Injection spiking is rare, but if it happens, tell someone immediately. You might feel a scratch or pain from the needle.

It often takes 15-20 seconds to inject drugs that can incapacitate someone.

The chances of getting HIV from a needlestick are extremely low. However, if there’s a risk of exposure to HIV or hepatitis, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available through the NHS or sexual health clinics, ideally within 72 hours after exposure.

You can take an HIV test any time, though it’ll take at least eight weeks after exposure for a definitive result.

SPIKING AND THE LAW

Spiking is already illegal under existing laws.

However, the government is currently updating parts of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which already makes it an offence to maliciously administer poison to endanger the life of someone or inflict grievous bodily harm. This will recognise spiking as an offence with a potential 10 years in prison for offenders.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Rape Crisis: for 24/7 confidential support

0808 500 2222

CrimeStoppers: give information anonymously

0800 555 111

crimestoppers-uk.org

FRANK: honest information about drugs

talktofrank.com

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

DRD Co-ordinator (Aberdeenshire)

Life+

About fentanyl and nitazenes contamination

Fentanyl and nitazenes are very strong synthetic opioids that can contaminate other drugs without you knowing. This includes heroin, fake oxycodone or Xanax pills, and even synthetic cannabis (spice).

They’re much more potent than heroin and have been linked to an increase in overdose deaths in the UK.

If you use heroin or other opioid-type drugs, this advice can help you reduce the risk of overdosing and stay safer.

How to recognise an opioid overdose

The usual effects of heroin use, like drowsiness and slower breathing, can look similar to overdose, so it’s important to know the difference.

SOME SIGNS OF AN OPIATE OVERDOSE:

Shallow breathing
Breaths that are shorter and not as deep as normal.

Unresponsive
Not responding to someone’s voice or physical attempts to wake them up, such as shaking, pinching the back of their arms, or rubbing their chest bone with your knuckles.

Pinned pupils
The pupils of the eye become tiny.

Change in skin colour
Blue/purple lips and fingertips in light-skinned people.

In darker-skinned people, skin can appear greyish or duller than usual. In this instance, a colour change might be easier to detect on the inside of the lips, on the gums and under fingernails.

Limp body
Muscles become slack and the person may appear floppy.

Seizures
Synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl) can cause symptoms similar to seizures, such as muscle spasms, rigidity, and chest tightness, that complicate breathing.

Gurgling or snoring sounds
Snoring doesn’t always mean someone is asleep. Snoring and gurgling can mean someone is struggling to breathe.

Severe nausea and vomiting
Opioids can trigger the vomiting reflex, causing nausea and vomiting.

Using naloxone to reverse an overdose

Give them naloxone

If you use heroin - or any opiate-type drugs - or know someone who does, you should carry naloxone. This is a drug that can reverse the symptoms of an overdose. If you can, carry multiple doses as they may be needed if the overdose has been caused by drugs containing nitazene.

Even if you don’t use opioids, carry it, as nitazenes have been found in other drugs like illicit Xanax.

If you’re unsure if the cause of the overdose is heroin or another opioid, give them naloxone anyway. It won’t cause any harm.

A single dose of naloxone will begin to work in 2-5 minutes, and its effects will last between 20-40 minutes. If fentanyl or nitazenes are involved, you may need to give them more than one dose.

It’s more likely that overdose symptoms will return with nitazenes, so keep an eye on the person longer than you would if they had overdosed on heroin alone.

You only need to recover their breathing. They don’t necessarily need to regain consciousness.

Put them in the recovery position.

When they are breathing normally again, put them in the recovery position. This will help with their breathing and guard against inhaling their sick if they vomit.

Call for emergency help (999)

Remember that naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical care. It’s a temporary measure that buys time until proper medical treatment can be given.

Call an ambulance as soon as you can. The police will not usually attend an overdose emergency. When the emergency services arrive, tell them what the person overdosing has taken – better still, give them a sample of what has been used.

Stay with the person after giving naloxone

Keep an eye on them. The effects of naloxone will wear off. You may need to give them more doses.

How to reduce overdose risk from fentanyl and nitazenes

Keep an eye on each other

Try not to use drugs alone. It’s always better to be with someone you trust so you can keep an eye on each other.

If you are with other people, make sure multiple naloxone kits are available. Don’t all use at the same time. Space out hits so somebody is alert and sober and can get medical help if anything goes wrong.

If you have to use drugs alone, tell someone and ask them to check up on you.

If you can’t do the above, consider using the BuddyUp phone app. It’s a confidential service that allows you to prepare an overdose rescue plan. BuddyUp is available via Android and iPhone.

Start low and go slow

Start with a small amount and wait to feel the peak effects before taking more.

If you’re using pills that haven’t been prescribed, try cutting them into smaller pieces.

If you can’t do that, crush the pill, dab a bit, and wait. This method works well for powdered or crystal drugs and can make pill use safer, too.
Don’t mix your drugs

Mixing drugs is more likely to cause an overdose. Try to use one drug at a time. If you are going to mix drugs, use less of each.

Check your drugs

There is no way to see if your drugs contain fentanyl or nitazene. Consider sending an anonymous substance sample to the WEDINOS Project for analysis. You don’t need to provide personal details other than your age, sex and the first part of your postcode.

Getting the results takes a few days, so take it easy. Use the low and slow method if you are going to take drugs in the meantime.

Fentanyl test strips, which are used to check for the presence of fentanyl in drugs, don’t detect nitazenes.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

How to get naloxone

England
Naloxone is available from all drug and alcohol services. Make sure you find out where you can get it locally.

Scotland
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs offers a ‘click & deliver’ naloxone service

W. sfad.org.uk/support-services/take-home-naloxone-application

Wales
If you live in Wales, Barod offers a naloxone ‘click & deliver’ service.

W. barod.cymru/naloxone-click-deliver-service

Getting drugs tested with Wedinos (Welsh emerging drugs and identification of novel substances)

WEDINOS tests substances to give individual users and others rapid and accurate information to reduce harms.

W. wedinos.org

Buy a printed version of the opioid overdose resource in the Substance shop

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Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

DRD Co-ordinator (Aberdeenshire)

Life+

• What is spice?
• What does spice smell like?
• How is it used?
• How strong is spice?
• Is spice illegal?
• How does spice make you feel?
• Can you overdose on spice?
• Is spice addictive?
• Reducing the risks
• In an emergency
• Help and support

What is spice?

Spice is a mixture of chemicals created in a lab to mimic the effects of cannabis. It’s the most common synthetic cannabis and is known by various names including fake cannabis, K2, black mamba and more. The chemicals in spice, known as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), start off as a powder and are often sprayed onto chopped‑up leaves and herbs to look like herbal cannabis. Unlike cannabis, spice isn‘t sticky, doesn’t contain buds and has no distinctive smell. These chemicals can also be sprayed onto paper—often seen in prisons.

What does spice smell like?

Spice has no consistent smell. Some people describe it as sweet, chemical, or plasticky, while others say it’s harsh or solvent-like, especially when smoked. One person who had used both spice and natural cannabis said, “They don’t look alike, they don’t smell alike.” Unlike cannabis, spice doesn’t have a strong or recognisable aroma, and the smell can vary depending on the chemicals used and how it’s taken—whether smoked, vaped, or applied to paper.

How is it used?

Mixing spice with tobacco

Spice is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked like cannabis.The effects can be intense and fast-acting when smoked.

Spice in vapes

Increasingly, it’s being found in vapes and e‑liquids, often sold online as CBD or THC liquids.

Spraying spice on paper

Spice can be sprayed onto paper, then smoked or swallowed. People usually tear the paper into small pieces and mix it with tobacco before smoking it in a joint.

Swallowing the paper takes longer to come up than smoking, but once it's eaten, you can't control or stop the effects, unlike smoking, where you can pause or take smaller inhales.

The chemicals may be unevenly distributed across the paper, so one section could contain a much higher dose than another - this increases the risk of overdose.

Because there's no way to see how much has been applied or where, using spice on paper is considered especially dangerous.

How strong is spice?

There are hundreds of different SCRAs, and they vary in strength and toxicity. There’s no consistency in what’s sold. Spice is potent even at very low doses: a pinch the size of a match head can be active.

Is spice illegal?

Yes. Spice is a Class B drug under UK law. It’s illegal to make, sell, or possess. While some SCRAs were once legal, they now fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Possession in prison is a criminal offence.

How does spice make you feel?

Spice can make you feel euphoric, relaxed, happy, talkative and drowsy. Effects begin within seconds, peak after about 30 minutes, and wear off within 2–3 hours.

Can you overdose on spice?

Yes. It’s easy to take too much because of its potency and unpredictable contents. Symptoms can range from anxiety, paranoia, nausea and vomiting to more serious effects like seizures, psychosis, fast heart rate and hallucinations.

Is spice addictive?

Yes. Regular use can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include cravings, sweating, tremors, seizures, sleep problems and irritability. Tolerance can build quickly—even within days.

Reducing the risks

• Start low and go slow—use a tiny amount and wait to feel the effects.
• Avoid mixing with alcohol, other drugs, or medicines.
• Use with someone you trust—don’t use alone.
• Take breaks—avoid daily use to reduce harm and tolerance.
• Look after your mental health and environment.
• Don’t share joints, bongs or vapes—this spreads infection.
• Sit down if using—spice can cause sudden collapse or immobility.

In an emergency

Spice can cause sudden physical or mental changes, including immobility, psychosis or ‘zombie-like’ behaviour. If someone is unwell:

• Place them in the recovery position.
• Call an ambulance and explain what was taken.
• Watch for signs like difficulty breathing, overheating, seizures or chest pain.
• If it’s a panic or ‘bad trip’, reassure them in a calm, quiet space—emergency services may not always be needed.

Order our Spice harm reduction resource to share with your service users and clients.

Order our spice booklet

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Smart drugs, also known as nootropics, are a group of substances that claim to boost your brainpower, focus, and memory. I have added this copy - They’ve become increasingly popular in recent years as people seek ways to improve their cognitive performance.

Whether it’s an essay you want to do really well in, exams you need to revise for, or a looming project deadline, the idea of popping a pill for that much-needed brain boost can seem appealing. 

Hundreds of drugs – both manufactured pharmaceuticals and natural organic substances – claim to boost your brain power, and increase intelligence.

This page contains information about the two most commonly used assmart drugs in the UK: the manufactured pharmaceuticals modafinil and Ritalin. It will explain what they are, the risks of using them and how to reduce those risks.

RITALIN & MODAFINIL

Ritalin is a brand-name prescription medication with the active ingredientmethylphenidate, generally used for treating ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and sometimes narcolepsy (falling asleep without warning).

Modafinil, a prescription-only stimulant, is sold under the names Provigil, Modalert, Alertec and Modavigil.

Modafinil is used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

> How they work

Both drugs are stimulants, which affect the level of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters).

> Appearance

Ritalin comes in yellow, grey and white tablets and various-coloured capsules. Modafinil comes as a white tablet.

> How they make you feel

The effects are similar to stimulants: they will make you feel more awake, alert, and energised.

The downsides of smart drugs:

• raised blood pressure and increased heart rate
• insomnia
• headaches
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• skin rash
• in extreme cases, large doses can cause a psychotic episode

> Onset and duration

They take between 30 and 90 minutes to take effect, peak between two to four hours after taking them and can last between 12 to 15 hours or even longer, depending on dose, tolerance to the drug, liver function, and age.

> How long they stay in your system

Both can be detected via a drug or urine test; up to four days later for modafinil and up to three for Ritalin.

> The law

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a controlled ‘Class B’ substance and is illegal to possess or supply without a prescription. Modafinil is legal to possess but is illegal to supply without a prescription.

THE RISKS

> Irregular sleep patterns

Stimulants can cause insomnia and irregular sleep patterns, increase stress, weaken the immune system, and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression.

> Focus Shift

Some people who use smart drugs find their focus has shifted from the task they set out to do to something else that’s distracted them.

> Pregnancy and contraception

If you use modafinil during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects. It can also reduce the effectiveness of some hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptives. 

Ritalin may increase the risk of having a miscarriage. Some studies have suggested an increased chance for foetal heart defects when Ritalin is used during pregnancy.

If you’re breast-feeding, avoid using any drug not prescribed by a health professional.

> Addiction and withdrawal

Some people experience withdrawal symptoms such as poor concentration, sleepiness, low energy, depression, anxiety and shortness of breath. They’re usually infrequent and, in most cases, relatively mild.

Addiction to modafinil is unlikely, but it may be possible as it affects neurotransmitters like dopamine.

> Buying medicines online

Buying prescription-only medicines from unauthorised sources can increase the risk of getting poor quality or fake medication, or even not what you thought you were buying, putting yourself at serious risk of harm.

> Driving

Both can cause blurred vision and might affect your reactions and ability to drive. It’s an offence to drive while your reactions are impaired.

HARM REDUCTION TIPS

Modafinil and Ritalin are intended for people who need medication for specific conditions. You increase the risks if you take drugs you don’t medically need. Do your best to avoid using study drugs.

But, if you’re still considering taking them, here are some tips on reducing the potential for harm:

> Know the risks

Research the drugs you want to take. Don’t take what your friends or websites say at face value. 

> Know when to stop

If you get any adverse side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, or headaches, stop taking them.

> Low and slow

Start with a low dose and see how you react. You can always increase the amount later, if needed.

> Avoid mixing with drugs or alcohol

Mixing smart drugs with other drugs or alcohol, makes their effects unpredictable. 

Drugs and alcohol can cancel each. You could take more to get the same effects - leading to dangerous levels of both.

Even at low doses, some combinations can increase how long the effects last, make sleep more difficult and increase the risk of high blood pressure, racing heartbeat, panic attacks and serotonin toxicity.

> Take a break

Don’t take them every day. They can have a cumulative effect. Even if you don’t have side effects, taking breaks from them can help to reduce the risk of dependency.

> Don’t mix with antidepressants

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (anti-depressants). Be cautious: both substances affect chemicals in the brain and, when combined, can cause dangerous interactions.

DO SMART DRUGS WORK?

For people who have no medical need for Ritalin or modafinil, they are risky, and unlikely to make any difference to their cognitive performance. 

If there is any benefit, research suggests it’s quite modest and rather than making you smarter, they make you feel more awake and alert, so you get more done.

Most people would be better off focusing on getting enough sleep, following a healthy diet, and managing deadline stress.

BEFORE YOU REACH FOR THE PILLS, CONSIDER THESE STUDY TECHNIQUES:

> Find a good place to study

Make sure the space is free from distractions and that you’ve got everything you need, such as your textbooks, notes, and a computer.

> Set realistic goals

Don’t try to cram everything into one study session. Break what you’re doing down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

> Use active learning techniques

Try to summarise the material in your own words, create concept maps, or practice answering questions.

> Take breaks

Studying for long periods can be counterproductive. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid burnout.

> Reward yourself

When you reach a study goal, give yourself a small reward to help with motivation.

> Get enough sleep

Studying when you’re tired is counterproductive. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

> Manage your stress

Stress can make it difficult to focus and learn. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation. Exercise has been linked to enhanced memory, improved focus, and increased cognitive flexibility. Meditation can help improve attention and focus.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call 999 immediately:

• chest pains
• extreme confusion or severe agitation
• uncontrollable shivering or shaking
• overheating and an inability to control body temperature
• stomach pains and/or continuous vomiting

Stay with the person in an emergency and reassure them until help arrives. Be honest about what they’ve taken, how much, and when.

ADDITIONAL HELP AND SUPPORT

Talk to Frank

National drugs awareness site for young people.

Call 0800 77 66 00 (calls are free and confidential)

talktofrank.com 

Mind

Student mental health information.

mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/student-life/

Release | Drugs, The Law

Free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information on issues related to drug use and to drug laws.

release.org.uk

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