Sussex Police highlight the dangers of spiking
It's part of a national awareness week
Sussex Police are reminding people of the impacts of being spiked, as part of a national awareness week.
Spiking is when someone is given alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing.
Spiking can happen to anyone anywhere – no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. It can also be carried out by strangers or by people you know.
This week there is a particular focus on ensuring new students, whether they're starting fresh or re-joining for their studies, feel safe on their nights out.
John Harbour from Sussex Police said
"Please enjoy yourself, please look out for one another, if you do have concerns please raise them even if you have taken recreational drugs yourself or you think you may have had too much to drink, we are there to support you. Please come forward and we will provide that service that you expect from us"
John also mentioned ways to stay safe:
"Make sure that in your friendship groups you have agreed locations where you will be, if you can touch base with each other during the night at certain intervals and don't go home alone make sure you are in your friendship group and people know where you are. "
The local force highlight that it can be difficult to know if someone has spiked you and symptoms vary depending on what someone has spiked you with.
The advice is if you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away. If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance.
Spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison.