Drinking safely

Hello,

AS THIS POST COINCIDES WITH WELCOME WEEK FOR MOST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES INCLUDING HALESOWEN.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe and help others prevent drink/needle spiking in local areas, along with clear steps to take if you suspect you’ve been targeted:

🚨 Prevention: Stay One Step Ahead

1. Buddy Up & Stick Together

Never go out alone. Look out for each other, keep drinks in sight, and check in regularly.

On the dance floor or in crowded spaces, designate someone as “drink lookout”,they keep their eyes on everyone’s drink.

2. Control Your Drink

Always order and pour your own drink; avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

Never leave your drink unattended, clutch it or bring it everywhere with you.

3. Be Mindful Around Strangers

Be wary of “over-friendly” strangers offering drinks or spiking attempts.

Avoid walking off with people you’ve just met—always let friends know where you're going.

4. Drink Responsibly & Stay Hydrated

Pace your alcohol consumption and stay hydrated, drinking water regularly helps you stay aware and in control.

5. Plan Your Journey Home

Pre-book taxis or ride shares and ensure your phone is charged.

🛑 Recognising the Signs

Spiking effects often appear within 15–30 minutes and can mimic extreme intoxication. Key red flags include:

Sudden confusion, disorientation, memory loss or “blacking out” 

Nausea, vomiting or feeling unexpectedly ill 

Poor coordination, blurred vision, drowsiness, hallucinations, paranoia 

🆘 If You Think You've Been Spiked

1. Get to Safety Immediately

Alert friends, venue staff, or security use the UK-wide code “Ask for Angela” discreetly if you feel unsafe.

Stay put somewhere you feel secure; do not leave with a stranger or wander off alone.

2. Seek Medical Help

Call 999 if symptoms worsen, e.g. loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, or unresponsiveness.

If stung or injected (needle spiking), you may need hospital testing for infections like HIV or hepatitis.

Even if milder, call 111 or visit A&E it's better to get checked than risk complications.

3. Call the Police & Report

Use 999 for emergencies or 101 non-emergency to report. You can also report online (West Midlands Police likely have online forms).

Quick reporting is vital some substances clear from the body in under 12 hours.

You have the right to report anonymously via CrimeStoppers or online if preferred.

4. Preserve Evidence

Ask friends or staff to save CCTV and eyewitness accounts.

Avoid using home test kits they may undermine official forensic testing.

5. Support After the Incident

Inform venue staff so they can help prevent further incidents.

Stay with trusted company until you're fully lucid effects can last hours or days.

Talk to Victim Support (0808 168 9111), Rape Crisis, or local SARCs (especially if sexual assault occurred).

6. Look After Yourself Emotionally

Traumatic experiences take time to process. Speaking with friends, a counsellor, or charities like Victim Support helps.

📌 Local & Regional Resources

Specific support:

West Midlands Police non-emergency line (101) and local online reporting.

Victim Support (national and local offices): 0808 168 9111 or live chat.

CrimeStoppers UK: 0800 555 111 for anonymous reporting.

✅ Quick Safety Checklist

Step Action

1 Stick with friends; don’t leave drink unattended

2 Watch your drink being made; use drink bungs

3 Avoid accepting drinks from strangers

4 Hydrate, pace drinks, keep phone charged

5 Use “Ask for Angela” if you feel vulnerable

6 Call 999/111 if unwell; take friend & staff support

7 Report ASAP via police; preserve evidence

8 Seek emotional care after the event

🟣 Final Word

Spiking is a deliberate crime, never your fault. By staying alert, supporting one another, and knowing how to act swiftly and safely, you can greatly reduce the risk and impact. If the worst happens, prompt action, trust in the system, and emotional care are your strongest allies.

⚠WMNow is not suitable for reporting crimes ⚠

Please ensure you are still utilising our crime reporting platforms below.

101, Online Web chat & WMP Website Non-emergency crime reporting / check on the progress of your report 

Report a crime | West Midlands Police

999 – Emergency / Ongoing incident