New research on drink-spiking: it's the alcoholNew research from Wrexham explores:
- the scale of drink spiking in the area
- which drugs are being used to spike drinks
- whether there is a problem with drink spiking in any particular establishment
The research was a prospective study of all patients presenting to an emergency department with alleged drink spiking over a 12-month period. Samples were analysed for levels of alcohol and drugs of misuse. Information was collected as to where the alleged spiking took place and the involvement of the police.
The results of the study show that most patients presenting to the emergency department, claiming that their drink has been spiked, will test negative for drugs of misuse. The researchers report "Our study showed a much higher detection rate of alcohol, which is likely owing to the timing of the sample taken. The patients’ symptoms may well have been the result of excess alcohol. A number of these patients probably had their drinks spiked with alcohol, but this is difficult to determine. Claiming that their drink has been spiked may also be used as an excuse by patients who have become incapacitated after the voluntary consumption of excess alcohol.
There have been a number of publicity campaigns in recent years to raise the awareness of drink spiking. Emphasis should also be laid on how excess alcohol consumption makes people more vulnerable to assaults and injury."
The researchers conlcude: Most patients allegedly having had a spiked drink test negative for drugs of misuse. The symptoms are more likely to be a result of excess alcohol.
