What is drink spiking and what are the main symptoms to look out for?

MILLIONS of people go to pubs, clubs, bars and social settings every week.

But many revellers are not aware of the issues of drink spiking and the symptoms to look out for.

What is drink spiking?

Drink spiking is when substances are added to drinks without permission, to make a person feel more vulnerable or cause harm.

There are different ways in which a drink can be spiked.

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• 'Date rape' drugs
• Prescription drugs

Drink spiking can happen to any person and any type of drink - alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Drinkers are advised to watch their drinks being poured and not accept one from strangers.

It is best not to leave a drink unattended and to dispose of a drink if it tastes odd.

What are the main symptoms of drink spiking to look out for?

Victims are unlikely to notice that their drink has been spiked straight away.

However experts have warned that symptoms of spiking tend to take hold very quickly.

The effects of drink spiking can vary depending on the substance used, the dosage and the individual's alcohol consumption.

Symptoms will also vary depending on a person's size and weight.

The main symptoms to be aware of and look out for are:

• Unconsciousness
• Loss of control
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Visual problems
• Feeling tired
• Loss of balance
• Lowered inhibitions
• Memory loss
• Panic/anxiety

If you notice any of these symptoms and believe someone has been spiked, then get help immediately.

Is drink spiking a crime?

Drink spiking is illegal - whether or not an attack or assault has been carried out.

The maximum punishment for anyone who is found guilty of this crime is 10 years in prison.

If a further crime such as an assault or a robbery has also taken place, the sentence will be higher.

Tougher sentences for possession or supplying drugs used to spike drinks were recently introduced.

Now drugs used to knock victims unconscious in order to make them vulnerable or cause them harm have been reclassified to Class B, to reflect the nature of the harm they cause.

Anyone unlawfully possessing these drugs now faces up to five years in prison - resulting in a rise to 14 years for those involved in supply and production.

Home Secretary Priti Patel commissioned a review in 2020.

She said: ''These drug have been used to commit too many heinous crimes.''