Needle Spiking in Nightclubs Cause Alarm

J.Adderton, BSN, MSN

The prevalence of drink spiking has made us hesitant to leave a drink unattended in public places. It's a scary thought that someone could put alcohol, "date rape drugs" or other substances into your drink without you having a clue. Now, reports of an alarming variation of drink spiking are coming out of England, spiking by injection with a syringe. This disturbing trend adds another layer of concern to the country's already high rate of violence against women.

What is Needle Spiking?

Lizzie Wilson¹, 18, felt a sharp pinch (like a needle prick) in her back while she stood in a crowded nightclub with friends. Moments later, she began having trouble standing. After being rushed to the hospital, she spent the next hours disoriented and without sensation in her legs. Wilson isn't alone. Other women have reported finding a pinprick on their body after waking up and being unable to remember what happened the night before. Wilson's experience isn't isolated as women in Scotland, Nottingham, Exeter and Northern Ireland have reported similar experiences.

Reasons Why

There are numerous reasons² why a person would spike another person with a dangerous drug. Common reasons may include:

To sexually assault
To physically assault
To carry out a theft
For entertainment

In Wilson's case, the physician suggested she was injected with ketamine, a powerful anesthetic. It's also important to note that anyone, not just women, can become a victim of spiking.

Date Rape Drugs

It's not yet known what drugs are most commonly used for needle spiking. However, date rape drugs used for drink spiking are likely being used. The three most common³ date rape drugs include Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), GHB and ketamine. Let's look at a few facts about each drug.

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)

Also known as roofies, forget-me-pill, R-2
A benzodiazepine that requires a prescription
Not approved for use in the U.S.
Effects felt within 30 minutes and last for several hours
May cause severe drowsiness, confusion, difficulty moving body and memory of what happened after the drugs take effect

GHB

Also known as cherry meth, scoop, goop
A central nervous system depressant that is prescribed for narcolepsy.
Can take effect in 15-30 minutes and effects may last 3-6 hours.
Can cause vomiting, slow heart rate and difficulty breathing
High doses can cause coma or death
Tasteless and odorless drug and colorless when dissolved in a drink

Ketamine

Also known as cat valium, k-hole, purple
A dissociative drug used as an anesthetic in surgery (human and animal)
Distorts hearing and vision, causes hallucinations and a feeling of detachment from the environment
Can increase heart rate, blood pressure and cause nausea
Effects last for 30-60 minutes.

Incident Numbers

As of October 37th, 56 cases⁴ of needle spiking were reported by police in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland during September and October. During this same time period, 198 confirmed cases of drink spiking were reported.

Andrea Simon, coalition director for End Violence Against Women, warns cases of needle spiking are likely⁵ underreported. Simon explains two reasons why victims may be reluctant to report being drugged. First, victims may not remember what happened the previous night. Secondly, some people may not think authorities will believe their story.

Bars and Clubs Boycotted

Concerned individuals boycotted bars⁶ in cities across Britain during the week of October 2nd. Students led the "Night In" protest and called for bar staff to be better trained in how to protect customers from spiking. Clubs in Nottingham and Oxford closed to show support for the protestor's cause. The University of St. Andrews in Scotland implemented bag searches, safety patrols and drink testing at its venues in support of the campaign.

Moving Forward

Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, recently called the incidents "obviously vile crimes" and tasked police to review recent reports. Cooper directed police to submit a comprehensive countrywide assessment to better understand the problem's scope.

Quote

"There isn't a proactive assessment happening about what the scale is of the problem. It's still seen as the victim's responsibility to protect themselves.” --Yvette Cooper⁷

Update

According to Independent, two men were arrested⁸ this week on suspicion of spiking victims by both injections and in drinks. The men, ages 19 and 28, were charged with poison with intent to injure. Both men are currently out on bail.