To spike a drink means to put alcohol or drugs into someone's drink without their knowledge or permission.
Pop Top Lock puts the consumer in control of their drink to prevent drink spiking while they put it down or, even hold it in thier hands.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Anyone, the bartender or anyone near your drink can spike a drink. Drink spiking can occur anywhere drinks are served like nightclubs, parties, pubs, restaurants, and private homes
Most often rohypnol or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), but also others like ketamine or even sleep aids like Ambien—into someone's drink with the intent of rendering them temporarily incapacitated. It’s flavorless and orderless.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Women are more likely to report having their drinks spiked than men.
Research suggests that drinking spiking amongst men is increasing but is underreported. When it comes to the LGBTIQA+ community, we know even less.
Drinks can be spiked by people you know or have just met. Such as, you may not consider an unknown person to be a stranger after talking to them for a while – then more likely to accept a drink from them.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Alcohol and other drugs typically used in drink spiking incidents often have sedative effects. This means you might feel like passing out, have trouble controlling your body, experience blackout or memory loss, and can result in becoming unconscious.
Other symptoms of drink spiking are;
feeling drunk, woozy or drowsy
feeling “out of it” or drunker than expected
mental confusion
speech difficulties (such as slurring)
memory loss
loss of inhibitions
nausea and vomiting
breathing problems
muscle spasms or seizures
loss of consciousness
an unusually long hangover
People who have been sexually assaulted while intoxicated may find it hard to contact police or ask for professional help because they may feel guilt or shame or be afraid of not being believed. Remember that these services are there for you and counsellors/advocates are trained specifically in sexual assault and will support you.
Among young people who reported having had a drink spiked, 77% said that their drink had contained alcohol, compared to 23% where the drink had been alcohol-free – confirmation that any drink can be spiked, whether alcoholic or not. -The Alcohol Education Trust
WHATS ON THE MARKET AND HOW WE CAN DO MORE?
MamaCover Spiked Drink Prevention Drink Cover is sold on Amazon and Nightcap The Original Drink Cover Scrunchie – As Seen On Shark Tank And TikTok are two examples of products sold to consumers.
“Protect Yourself - Nightcap is a drink spiking prevention scrunchie. It covers cups and glasses to prevent pills and powders from being dropped into a drink. Wear on wrist or in your hair. Place the cover over your drink. An ideal gift for college studen - Nightcap
They both rely on the consumer remembering to take it and washing it after use.
Pop Top Lock closure is a stay-on-closure which means it comes with the can.
WHAT DO I DO?
It is never someone’s fault if their drink was spiked. You might not even be able to tell your drink has been spiked.
If you think you have been a victim to drink spiking please contact your local police.
Alert a trusted person - such as a friend, venue staff or host what is happening.
Go a safe place – have a trusted person with you.
Keep a close eye on anyone who has had their drink spiked.
Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates in any way (for example, if they lose consciousness).
Contact police as soon as possible after a suspected incident of drink spiking.
Contact a sexual assault support service for compassionate support around reporting and to talk through what has occurred.
