It’s always better to be safe than sorry. While the most effective safety measure would be a world where people respect each other’s autonomy and fully understand consent, thatโs sadly not our reality. Until then, here are some essential safety tips everyone can incorporate to reduce the risk of drink spiking, along with guidance on what to do if it happens.
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How A Routine Job Interview Turned Into A Safety Scare
A recent incident involving Eugene Ng, a former partner at DWF Labs, has brought the alarming issue of drink spiking into the spotlight. On 24 October, Ng allegedly attempted to drug a woman, referred to as โHanaโ, during a job interview at a bar in Hong Kong. Reports state that Ng spiked Hana’s drink โ a disturbing act of secretly adding drugs or alcohol to someoneโs beverage without their consent, often to impair them. The bar staff reportedly observed the attempted spiking and alerted Hana, who subsequently felt dizzy and claimed Ng pressured her to accompany him to his hotel suite, supposedly to further discuss job opportunities. Hana has since reported the incident to the police and provided CCTV footage as evidence. DWF Labs responded promptly, terminating Ngโs position and initiating an internal investigation.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of staying alert to personal safety risks, especially in social and professional settings where trust is often assumed. Drink spiking is a violation that can happen anywhere, and its reality calls for practical awareness and preventive habits.
Spiking 101: What You Need To Know
1. Never Leave Your Drink(s) Unattended Or Out Of Sight
This rule applies from the moment your drink is prepared. Watch as your drink is made and served, and keep an eye on it throughout. If you’re in a moving crowd, cover your drink to prevent anything from being โslippedโ in unnoticed. Staying with friends or trusted company can also make a big difference โ looking out for each other adds an extra layer of safety.
2. Avoid Accepting Drinks From Strangers
Itโs always safer to err on the side of caution. โStranger dangerโ is real, whether you’re a child or an adult, and unfortunately, you can never be certain of others’ intentions. If you do accept a drink, opt for sealed, packaged beverages to ensure they havenโt been tampered with beforehand.
3. Check For Visible Signs Ofย Tampering
While not all spiking attempts are visible, there are some warning signs to watch for when checking your drink. According an article byย BU Today, excess fizzing, a cloudy appearance, or unexpected changes in taste or colour are red flags worth double-checking. However, since spiking can involve a range of drugs โ many of which may not visibly alter a drink โ using test strips is often the most reliable way to detect any tampering.
4. Understand the symptoms
Itโs essential to know when feelings go beyond mild tipsiness and may indicate drink spiking. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Paranoia
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Lowered inhibitions
- Excessive intoxication (feeling far more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol consumed would suggest)
While these symptoms can sometimes occur with alcohol, they tend to be dramatically intensified when drugs are involved. If you experience a sudden, intense shift in your state โ such as severe dizziness, nausea, or a significant change in body temperature โ find someone you trust to assist you immediately. Acting quickly is essential, as the effects can escalate rapidly, leading to memory loss and even unconsciousness. Always make sure youโre with friends or in a trusted environment where others can look out for you.
Some drugs commonly used for spiking include potent depressants such as benzodiazepines, including Rohypnol. Known as the stronger relative of Valium, Rohypnol can take effect within 15-30 minutes, with tell-tale symptoms like disrupted concentration, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and lowered inhibitions โ all of which worsen when combined with alcohol. GHB, often referred to as the โdate rapeโ drug, also acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS), binding to GABA receptors and potentially leading to unconsciousness. Combined with alcohol, GHB can be lethal, as it depresses the CNS to the point of inhibiting breathing.
Always trust your instincts โ if something feels off, listen to your gut. The worst-case scenario is that you step away from a social situation, but as always, better safe than sorry.
Rachel Tang
Rachel Tang is the Social Media Manager and a contributing writer at Friday Club., where she combines her expertise in PR and Marketing with a passion for storytelling. She began writing for a media platform early in her career, which sparked a love for storytelling that still drives her work today. With a deep passion for fashion, music, and all things pretty, Rachel is always on the lookout for the next best thing โ and sheโs quick to rave about it to those around her.
