14 December 2004

Be sure you know what you're drinking

NSW Health has issued a warning to partygoers this Christmas and New Year to be aware of the dangers of drink spiking with sedatives such as GHB.

GHB is an anaesthetic drug with sedative properties and is usually ingested in liquid form. Short-term effects include drowsiness, relaxation, dizziness and decreased inhibitions. However when taken in high doses the effects can include rapid drowsiness, muscle spasms, movement and speech impairments, disorientation, vomiting, convulsions, respiratory collapse and coma.

GHB has been referred to as the ‘date-rape’ drug because it can be added to a drink without leaving any visible trace. NSW Health warns that it is almost impossible to accurately gauge the strength of a dose as more dealers are experimenting with their own ‘backyard’ recipes.

Mark Griffiths, deputy manager of sexual assault services for Central Sydney Area Health Service, says drink spiking is a growing problem and men and women of all ages need to understand the potential dangers.

“Drinks spiking can put people in dangerous situations, such as having unsafe sex, unwanted pregnancy, violence, and criminal activity,” Mr Griffiths said.

“Twenty five per cent of males and females reporting sexual assault have stated the incident occurred after a case of drink spiking. This is a nine percent increase since 1998,” he said.

Mr Griffiths warned pill and powder type drugs could be easily slipped into a person’s drink within seconds. Some drugs have no taste, odour or visible trace, and drink spiking is not limited to just alcoholic beverages.

“If you feel any strange effects, such as dizziness, sleepiness or nausea, particularly after having only a small amount of alcohol, ask someone you know and trust to immediately take you somewhere safe,” said Mr Griffiths.

When preparing for a night out, it is important to remember the following points to protect yourself against such incidents.

• Plan your night out and tell people where you are going.
• Never accept a drink from a stranger or leave drinks unattended, particularly if the bottle has been opened.
• Tell bar staff if you see someone spiking drinks.
• Mr Griffiths says that one of the most important things to remember is to keep an eye out for friends.

“Never drink a drink if you feel unsure about it and always remember that if you suspect your drink has been spiked, do not drive. Take a cab, ask a friend for a ride or call an ambulance. It is always best to go with your instincts,” he said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au