Drink spiking has unfortunately become prominent on student nights out, with the latest scare to be needle-spiking. Being a victim of spiking can have a serious impact on mental health; leaving people worried about what 
might have happened, whether it could happen again and making them potentially very unwell. Although the immediate side effects can leave individuals confused, dizzy or nauseous, it can also lead to losing consciousness, a severe hangover the next day, and potentially gaps in memory.
Information on staying safe:
Rapid Drug Spiking Testing on Campus
As part of the ongoing work to ensure that the University of Lincoln students feel safe and supported on campus and in on-campus venues, the Students’ Union and the Student Wellbeing Centre are working in collaboration with Lincolnshire Police to offer a rapid drug test at the Student Wellbeing Centre for students who are concerned they have been spiked the previous night.
In addition The Engine Shed, Lincoln’s on-campus late-night venue, has now increased levels of overt and covert processes in place to increase student safety and protect you. There are prevention measures in place such as drink covers, foil tops, and drink test kits. There are also detection measures in place such as drug detection dogs, as well as physical searching. This latest addition adds post-event identification of spiking to their in-event methods.
If you feel unwell and believe you have been spiked, it’s imperative that you attend your local hospital or contact the Police on 101 in the first instance. However, the new Rapid Drug Spiking Testing is available to any student who needs it.
These tests are able to detect morphine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates, cocaine, methadone, fentanyl, LSD, MDMA, methamphetamines, synthetic cannabis, cannabis and tramadol.
Upon attending the Student Wellbeing Centre, students will be given the necessary wellbeing support through the testing and any Police reporting process, if required. 
The Student Wellbeing Centre is open Mon – Thur 8.30am – 5pm, Fri 8.30pm – 4.30pm.
Student Wellbeing Centre and the Students’ Union Advice Centre are safe, confidential spaces with trained staff available to support all students in a variety of areas.
What to do if you think a friend has been spiked:
- Tell a bar manager, bouncer, or member of staff
- Stay with them and keep talking to them
- Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates
- Don’t let them go home on their own
- Don’t let them leave the venue with someone you don’t know or trust
- If possible try and prevent them drinking more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems
Please click here to access local and national list of charities and organisations that have been gathered together by the University of Lincoln Student Wellbeing centre, who are able to help in time of need for students. This information leaflet includes information for both emergency and non-emergency organisations supporting students struggling with mental-health, alcohol or drug related worries.
In the event of students or any individual feeling unsafe, there are safety measures put in place by most venues now, such as asking for ‘Angela’ which signals to staff members that you need help, where they will assist you in your situation.
In the event of a critical emergency is it absolutely essential that individuals call 999 and get the immediate help they need in a serious situation.
Disclaimer – Please note we are 3rd year pharmacy students. We are not qualified to provide medical advice. This blog is for information only. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.