Safety Before You Get Spiked
Written by Gretchen Evans, Photography by Laura Ashley Hartline, Design by Cassidy Schippel, Media by London Marchman
This past year has been trying for everyone. With the vaccine becoming widely available, the desire to hit the clubs and bars with our friends again is growing stronger. Amidst all this future fun, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is getting spiked.
Whether you are with your girl gang or with the boys, a simple turn of the head or a trip to the bathroom are opportunities for your drink to be at risk. However, we have found some effective anti-spiking gadgets that will ensure your night goes as smoothly (and safe) as possible.
This company created the color-changing nail polish that alerts the wearer of a spiked drink. However, the FDA saw this product as ineffective and the company transformed their product into a small and portable drink test that works wonders.
This fashion accessory doubles as a portable carrier for a drink cover. Drink covers deter others from dropping/pouring substances in your drink while blending in as a chic cover when in use, and scrunchie when not.
The number one pepper spray brand has its very own testing kit for the two most common drugs used for drug-facilitated sexual assault. It is user-friendly, quick, and powerful.
While all safety measures can be taken, an offender may still have spiked your drink. Common signs that you may have been drugged include:
Feeling drunk although you’ve had little to no alcohol
Loss of reflexes and fatigue
Memory loss
Sleepiness and nausea
What to do if you think you may have been drugged
Contact someone you trust to stay with you (for prevention, always have a friend with you when going out).
Call 911.
Go to a hospital for evidence collection and an exam.
These helpful gadgets might just save your life. There is no such thing as being over-prepared when it comes to staying safe from people you do not know. With these, you can have a fun night out without the stress of being in harm's way.
Additionally, the free National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) is available 24/7 for anyone in need of support and additional information.