Police have issued guidance to Scots who believe that their friend may have been spiked during a night out.
Officers have been probing a growing number of alleged incidents of spiking in nightclubs and bars across Scotland over recent days.
Bosses behind some of the country’s leading night spots have also issued statements amid some concerning social media reports.
It has been alleged that women have been targeted in bars and nightclubs in Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow this month.
Some have claimed that have been spiked “by injection”, with a number of women noticing red marks following nights out.
What to do if you think your friend has been spiked
Police Scotland has tried to reassure Scots in a statement.
The Greater Glasgow Police Division wrote on Facebook: “Police Scotland take drink spiking seriously.
“If you have been a victim or drink spiking or you are aware of drink spiking where you are - alert staff and obtain medical assistance.
“Ensure Police are contacted.”
The force also issued a series of guidelines if you think that your friend has been spiked on a night out.
This includes:
- 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
- Try and prevent them drinking more alcohol
Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has listed the symptoms of drink spiking, which could vary depending on the substance you have been spiked with.
The most common symptoms include:
- Lowered inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Drinkaware medical advisor said: “The symptoms will depend on lots of factors such as the substance or mix of substances used (including the dose), your size and weight, and how much alcohol you have already consumed.
"If your drink has been spiked it's unlikely that you will see, smell or taste any difference. Most date rape drugs take effect within 15-30 minutes and symptoms usually last for several hours. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, then get help straight away.”
