Warning to take care against “spiking” this festive season

During this festive period, Foysol Choudhury, Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian raises awareness around the prevalence of spiking.

Spiking can take various forms, including but not limited to someone adding drugs or alcohol to your drink or by way of injection. Drink
spiking is the most prevalent form of spiking, which can take place in private or social environments like bars and nightclubs.

Safer Scotland reminds us that: “Being spiked is never the fault of the victim.”

Ensuring that the public remains safe from spiking is a communal responsibility, and I would reminds you to look out for each other during this festive period, when spiking is often more prevalent. Safer Scotland’s information campaign on spiking reminds us there are
things we can do to make sure we socialise safely.

If you have been spiked, signs appear suddenly and can include, but are not limited to, rapid changes in intoxication levels, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and disorientation. Safer Scotland reminds us that if we see someone experiencing these
symptoms, it is important we know what to do: “If you, or someone you know, has been spiked and is feeling unwell, please phone NHS 24 on 111 for advice. If you suspect someone requires urgent medical assistance after being spiked, please phone 999.”

“In all cases where you think you have been spiked, or have witnessed someone being spiked,
contact the police on 101 to report the incident.”

I intend to monitor the situation in the city and look to ask questions in Parliament.
But I will also continue to raise public awareness around spiking – remember it’s never the victim’s fault, and we need to support those who have been wronged. I encourage everyone to safely enjoy the festive period.