NHS 24, in collaboration with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, is raising awareness of the dangers of spiking as part of a coordinated effort to protect the public during the busy summer events season. 

As part of this multi-agency approach, a consistent national response has been developed to ensure that individuals who present to A&E with suspected spiking receive clear and uniform advice. Scotland’s 111 service has also been updated to include spiking-related guidance, helping to better identify and support potential cases. This approach has been endorsed by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. 

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: 

 “We are aware of the concern in spiking cases that the link between health professionals and Police Scotland has not always been clear to victims 

 “We are therefore introducing changes to the NHS system which will allow us to record those who present to A & E as potential victims of spiking. This will provide invaluable data on previous unrecorded incidents and will allow us to better understand the extent to which these lead on to formal police reporting. 

 “We remain committed to raising awareness of and addressing issues around spiking, and urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay safe as they enjoy the summer and festival period.” 

Spiking involves giving someone alcohol or drugs without their consent, often by adding substances to drinks or injecting them. The most common type is drink spiking, which can occur at social events, private gatherings, bars, or nightclubs.  

Safer Scotland’s tips to keep yourself safe from spiking include: 

• Never leave a drink unattended, whether it is alcoholic or not 

• Never accept a drink from someone unknown 

• Don’t drink or taste anyone else’s drink 

• Throw a drink away or take it back to the bar if it tastes strange or different 

• Avoid drinking or taking substances which impact safety and wellbeing 

• Always stick together with friends and look out for each other, even when within smaller social gatherings. If leaving a venue early or going home alone make sure friends are aware and there is a plan for getting home safely 

“Recognising the signs of spiking is crucial, as the signs can appear rapidly” explained Dr Julie Ronald, Associate Medical Director at NHS 24. “Common symptoms can include sudden dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. 

“If you suspect you or someone else has been spiked, stay with a trusted friend and seek immediate help. It’s important to alert venue staff and seek medical help right away. Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice, but in a life-threatening emergency remember to always call 999.” 

Spiking is a criminal offence. All suspected incidents should be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101.  

• Further information and advice can be found at: https://safer.scot/spiking/  

To mark Armed Forces Day 2025, NHS 24 is proud to share the stories of colleagues who have served in the Armed Forces and now continue their commitment to public service within the NHS. Discover more about the skills and experiences veterans bring to our organisation and how their military backgrounds have helped to enhance patient care in Scotland.