How to know if your drink has been tampered with

William Richardson, MD

Emergency Medicine

Going out with friends should be enjoyable, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Drink tampering, often referred to as being roofied, can happen in social settings ranging from crowded bars to small gatherings. Knowing the warning signs and what to do if your drink has been tampered with can help keep you or someone else safe.

William Richardson, MD, an emergency medicine physician, shared his expertise on recognizing symptoms, taking action and reducing risk.

What are some signs your drink may have been tampered with?

“The early signs of drink tampering usually happen very suddenly and usually differ from your expected or usual reaction to substance use,” said Dr. Richardson. “People who ingest drugs like Rohypnol or GHB commonly feel extremely dizzy, nauseous or disoriented shortly after drinking, even if they’ve had little or no alcohol.”

Other signs can include:

• Trouble concentrating or speaking clearly
• Blurred vision or difficulty standing
• Gaps in memory or confusion

“Your body knows its limits,” Dr. Richardson said. “If you suddenly feel much different than you normally would, trust that instinct.”

How do these drugs affect the body?

Substances linked to drink tampering work by depressing the central nervous system, which can impair coordination, slow reaction times and, in severe cases, lead to unconsciousness.

What should you do if you suspect your drink was spiked?

If you or someone you are with begins showing symptoms, Dr. Richardson recommends acting quickly:

• Move to a safe space and stay with trusted friends
• Ask staff or security for help
• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
• Save the drink, if possible, for testing
• Stay with the affected person until help arrives

How can you protect yourself from drink tampering?

While responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, there are steps you can take to help lower the risk:

• Keep your drink in your hand or within sight at all times
• Watch drinks being prepared or poured
• Accept drinks only from staff or trusted friends
• Use protective drink covers or test kits if available
• Go out with people you trust and stay together

Imagine being at a concert with friends. After only a few sips of your first drink, you feel dizzy and confused. A friend notices right away and alerts staff, who call for help. Quick action in situations like this can make all the difference.

Why is it important to seek medical help?

“Many victims hesitate to seek care, but medical teams are trained to handle these cases confidentially,” said Dr. Richardson. “Getting help quickly not only treats your symptoms, but it also allows us to collect evidence if that’s needed later.”

Drink tampering is a serious threat, but being informed can help you stay safer. Trust your instincts, look out for friends, and know that medical professionals are prepared to help without judgment.