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Without knowing, I drank a laced or spiked drink at an industry event in 2019. I hope that by sharing the experience and the details of what happened to me, it will make other women aware of the symptoms and enable them to understand what to do if it happens to them. Statistically women are more vulnerable to spiking but of course, it can happen to men too.
At first the symptoms were subtle and very pleasant. I can’t think how I could have known what had happened until it was too late, let alone alert anyone at the time or have found a way to prevent it happening to me.
My symptoms over the course of 48 hours were:
At the venue – approx 23:00 – 02:00
At Home – approx 03:00 – 05:00
At Home – approx. 05:00 – 12:00
Home – the next day – 13:00 onwards
It was too late for a drugs test by the time I saw professionals. I received 3 separate opinions all leading to the same ‘most likely’ conclusion. I took my time to go to the doctors and the police. I was scared they would think I had lost my sanity and send me to hospital, against my will. To my relief they were supportive. Spiking simply matched the symptoms.
Victim Support helped me to open up. I have since spoken to other people that this has happened to. I’m hopeful that my experience was the only one at the venue. The police would have opened an investigation, if others reported the same.
My friends and family are normally my first port of call. I was even too embarrassed to tell them, at first. I am not usually secretive. I am usually trusting and open with my family and friends.
To make me crack a smile, at a low ebb, a good friend said: The only other sensible explanation, was that I was abducted by aliens and entered a temporary parallel universe. It made me smile again. To be very clear. That’s a JOKE.
The subject of drugs + drinks / spiking etc is very serious and very dangerous. If you think this has happened to you, tell a friend, tell the police and seek medical help.
The TALK TO FRANK website is useful for detailing the effects of drugs.
Published in Collaboration with: Women in Lighting
The Accidental Feminist: One Man’s Story
Lighting and Your Mood: Is There a Correlation?
Women In Lighting is an inspirational digital platform for women working in lighting to promote their passion and achievements, narrate their career path and goals, celebrate their work and elevate their profile in the lighting community. Women in Lighting are working closely with WILD. WILD's mission is to provide the lighting community with an inclusive and open environment for professional and personal growth by offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. Women in Lighting and Design is open to all women, those that identify as female, and their allies, creating a supportive and safe network for all.
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