Keep the Frights Fun: A Halloween Reminder About Spiking

Halloween is one of the busiest times of the years social calendar. Whether you’re out at a party or a small gathering, it’s all about enjoying yourself and making memories. But with all the excitement, it’s also crucial to stay aware, especially when it comes to spiking.

Spiking happens when someone secretly adds alcohol or drugs to your drink, vape or even food. It’s illegal and can happen more easily in busy, dark places where people are distracted. The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation explains that while most cases involve alcohol, other methods are used too. Such as  injections, they can make someone confused, drowsy or even unconscious.

Why it’s important to stay alert

Halloween parties tend to be fun and full of distractions, which makes it easy to be put in vulnerable situations. You might not notice right away, but feeling unusually dizzy, confused or sick are symptoms of spiking that should not be ignored or confused for over-consumption of alcohol.

You can’t always control what other people do, but you can take small steps to reduce your risk:

1)       Keep your drink with you and don’t leave it unattended.

2)       Avoid accepting drinks/ food from people you don’t know well.

3)       Stick with people you trust and check in on each other throughout the night.

These small habits don’t stop the fun but they make sure you stay safe enough to enjoy it.

If you think someone’s been spiked

If you or a friend start feeling strange, tell someone straight away. Don’t try to walk home or go off alone. If you’re seriously unwell, call 999. It’s always better to overreact than to ignore it.

If you’re helping someone who might’ve been spiked, stay with them, keep them talking and get medical help as soon as possible. If they lose consciousness, put them in the recovery position and make sure their airway is clear.

It’s about having each other’s backs

Spiking isn’t your fault, and it doesn’t just happen to one type of person. That’s why looking out for one another is so important. Parties are more enjoyable when you know your friends are safe and when they know you’re watching out for them too.

For more advice on spiking and how to stay safe, visit the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation website.