Drink spiking
A realistic Guide to life at UCLan - written by students!
Comments from students...
One danger, although rare, deserves a mention. This student was lucky because her friends were on the ball:
“My friend was spiked last semester in ’53 Degrees’. It was quite early in the night and luckily her friends noticed that she was acting pretty weirdly, because she never gets absolutely wasted. An ambulance had to come, and took her to hospital. She was only in overnight, but they wanted to monitor her. I think the whole drink spiking thing – because I don’t really get drunk, even though I do enjoy a drink – but if my drink got spiked, I think my friends would notice straight away. But, if you’re someone who’s going out and getting absolutely wasted, your friends aren’t going to notice that you’re acting differently. I think that’s a reason to keep an eye on your drinks.”
“Not to say that town’s bad, but I’ve had my drink spiked twice where I’ve passed out although it wasn’t around campus.”
“I think there should be more information about getting spiked drinks. I know I haven’t had any information while I’ve been here and thank god my friends carried me home, but the bouncers left me on the kerb, locked out.”
“My dad works for a beer company and they got these little testing kits sent round to all of them to give to customers. It was like a little stirrer. We used to give them out at ‘Touch’ and put them in people’s drinks – although people didn’t like that.”
“It’s amazing how many people accept drinks. It’s not even leaving your own drink. It’s when someone gives you a drink. You don’t know who they are.”
Here are a few student tips on staying safe around Preston when having a night out.
• Keep your drinks with you at all times
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers (unless of course they are working behind the bar – that should be ok)
• If you see anyone messing with someone else’s drink, alert the door staff so that they can monitor the situation – you’d be chuffed if someone did that for you!
Note from the TAG Team: The students talking above were lucky because they were with their friends, but the reality is drink spiking can lead to much worse than a very nasty hangover. If you think your drink has been spiked seek help from a member of staff in the club. If for any reason they will not help you and you are alone, call the police - DO NOT WALK HOME ALONE. If you are on campus call Campus Security on 01772 892068
