The College Red Zone: Drink Spiking and Sexual Assault
What is drink spiking? It happens when someone secretly adds drugs or alcohol to a person’s drink without their knowledge or consent. And unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly prevalent, especially on college campuses. A lot of people may think that it’s just a prank. But whatever the motive, spiking is never ok or funny, because it affects your judgement, your memory and your ability to make decisions in your own best interest.. So, it’s crucial for students (especially if you’re new on campus) and those who love them to understand what drinks are being spiked with, how to reduce your chances of being spiked, recognize the effects and what to do when you realize that you’ve been victimized.
What Are Drinks Spiked With?
Drink spiking can involve various substances, each with its own risks and effects. Commonly used substances include:
Alcohol: Often colorless and odorless, such as vodka. It may seem harmless, but you’ll have no idea how much alcohol you’re actually drinking
Benzodiazepines: Like Rohypnol ("roofies"), Xanax, and Valium.
GHB: A potent central nervous system depressant.
Ketamine: An anesthetic that can cause dissociative states.
Diphenhydramine: An antihistamine that can induce drowsiness.
Devils’ Breath: Drug from Hell
But one of the most alarming substances that drinks have been spiked with is scopolamine, known as "Devil's Breath." Also known as the “zombie drug,” it can not only render a person incapacitated, but is particularly dangerous because of its ability to cause hallucinations, memory loss and unusually open to suggestion – such as handing over money or to seemingly consent to sexual assault. It’s odorless, tasteless and virtually undetectable in drinks. A powerful, deadly combination.
We’ve spoken with victims of Devils Breath ourselves and they report terrifying results. One victim we know unknowingly drank a spiked drink in a Las Vegas casino and was almost led out of the casino by a stranger before being spotted and stopped by her husband. She reports that she felt “zombified” but that casino security wouldn’t do anything about it, because security camera footage, it appeared as though she was compliant with the stranger.
Although Devil’s Breath victimization has typically taken place against tourists in Columbia, (as reported by the New York Times and the U.S. Embassy in Columbia,) its use seems to be spreading. The victim noted above reported her incident in Las Vegas, other incidents have taken place in Australia, and years ago in Paris. And while we haven’t heard of it on college campuses (yet), we’re noting it because it is so insidious, rarely discussed, and because of the incident in Vegas that we’ve become aware of.
The College Red Zone and Sexual Assault
"The College Red Zone" refers to the period between the first day students arrive on campus in August through Thanksgiving break. Barak Obama has noted that “An estimated one in five women is sexually assaulted at college…” Research indicates that 50% of campus sexual assaults occur during the Red Zone, with freshmen and incoming transfer students being particularly vulnerable. It’s also important to note who the attackers are: 92% of sexual abuse offenders are men.
Most young women starting college are on their own for the first time in their lives. They’re away from everything and everyone that’s familiar, unsure of themselves in their new environment and eager for new friends and acceptance. At the same time, they want to enjoy their newfound sense of agency, which will more than likely include drinking for the first time, explore their sexual freedom and, in general, party like they’ve never partied before – with no prior experience and no one watching out for them.
Predators are acutely aware of these characteristics and position themselves to take advantage, which is why so many assaults take place during this vulnerable time. And, sadly, no methods are more effective of victimizing these young women than drink spiking. Even worse, many women won’t suspect the perpetrators because they are probably acquainted with them in some way.
How Bad are the College Spiking Stats?
Recent studies paint a disturbing picture: Nearly 8% of college students across three U.S. universities reported having their drinks spiked. The gender disparity in victimization is stark: approximately 80% of drink spiking victims are female. Motives behind drink spiking vary, but they often have sinister implications. While some perpetrators claim to spike drinks "for fun," most instances of drink spiking incidents are designed for rape and sexual assault against the victim.
It is important to understand that someone who’s been spiked is incapable of consent – no matter WHAT the circumstances.
Prevention and Detection
So, it’s imperative to educate these women before they step foot on a campus what can happen. To combat drink spiking, education and preventive measures are crucial. Students can take several steps to reduce the risk:
Don’t drink out of the punch bowl.
Never leave drinks unattended.
Be cautious about accepting drinks.
Keep drink detection products with you.
Establish a buddy system when going out.
Trust your instincts and immediately leave situations that feel unsafe.
Familiarize yourself with campus security services and resources so you know exactly what to do if you’ve been spiked.
How to Test for Drugs if You’ve Been Spiked
Recent technology advancements have introduced devices that can detect common date rape drugs in drinks before you have the drink. These include:
Drink Test Strips: These can detect substances like ketamine and GHB. They are relatively easy to use and can provide quick results.
Test Kits: More comprehensive kits (available in the U.K.) can test for a broader range of drugs
Tech Gadgets: Some devices have been on the market that use various methods to detect drug residues in drinks, providing an added layer of security.
However, it's important to note that no single test can detect all possible substances used in drink spiking. Continuous advancements in drug formulations mean that new substances can evade detection, highlighting the need for ongoing research and development in this area.
What to Do If You Suspect Drink Spiking
If you suspect that your drink has been spiked, take immediate action:
Stop Drinking: The less you consume, the better.
Seek Help: Contact someone you trust to help you get to a safe place.
Medical Attention: Go to the emergency room immediately, especially if you've been assaulted or feel unwell.
Report the Incident: Inform the establishment’s manager, security, or staff and school authorities
Seek Psychological Support: To help cope with the trauma.
Contact the Police: Report the incident as soon as possible.
Get a Drug Test: Demand a urine or blood test from the medical facility or hospital. They may initially resist because the tests can be expensive. But time is of the essence. Certain drugs can leave your system within hours and remain undetected.
Even if you can't remember the exact details, seeking support and reporting the incident is essential. And don’t be surprised if you remember details in the days or weeks ahead. Report all information that you remember.
Reporting and Support
Underreporting is a significant challenge. Many victims hesitate to report due to shame, confusion, or fear of not being believed. A staggering 87% of victims do not report their experiences to the police. Reasons include insufficient evidence, believing it was too late, and concerns that no action would be taken.
Colleges must foster an environment where victims feel safe to come forward. Implementing partnerships with local law enforcement can also help address off-campus safety concerns.
Education and Awareness
Education and awareness are crucial to keep these young women safe. It’s important to recognize for them to recognize the signs of drink spiking, for them (and their male friends) to have each other’s back and to understand the importance of reporting incidents. It is not a crime nor a shame to be a victim. Predators count on victims not reporting, which emboldens and enables them to continue their attacks, perhaps on multiple victims. Colleges and universities have so far shown little interest in this education and awareness, so it’s something that the we, the public has to assist with.
Legislative Efforts and Challenges
As awareness of drink spiking grows, so do efforts to combat it through legislation. In California, a new law set to take effect in 2024 aims to make bars and nightclubs safer by requiring them to have drink test strips available for patrons. These strips can detect common date rape drugs like ketamine and GHB.
However, the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen. Critics argue that the responsibility for preventing drink spiking should not fall solely on potential victims or businesses. Moreover, the rapid evolution of drug formulations means that test strips may not always detect newer substances used in spiking incidents.
On a broader scale, there's a significant lack of awareness regarding the legal status of drink spiking. The LADbible Group and Stamp Out Spiking report found that 86% of those surveyed were unaware that there is no specific law against spiking in many jurisdictions. This legal ambiguity contributes to the underreporting problem, with 82% of victims indicating they would be more likely to report incidents if spiking were explicitly illegal.
The Road Ahead
Addressing drink spiking requires an orchestrated approach. Stronger legislation, improved law enforcement strategies, enhanced public awareness, increased prosecution of perpetrators, student education (of ALL students) and technological innovations are all necessary. By fostering a culture of mutual respect, vigilance and zero tolerance of sexual assault, we can work towards creating safer environments for everyone.
As we confront the growing threat of drink spiking, it's clear that a concerted effort is needed to protect potential victims and create safer environments. The rise of drink spiking is a serious threat, particularly to college women, but with increased awareness, education, and action, we can work towards eliminating this dangerous practice and ensuring the safety of all students.
The fight against drink spiking is ongoing, but with increased awareness, better reporting, and concerted efforts from all sectors of society, we can hope to turn the tide on this dangerous trend. As individuals, staying informed, looking out for one another, and advocating for stronger protections can make a significant difference in combating this serious threat. By working together, we can ensure that college campuses remain safe spaces where our students can thrive without fear and the threat of life-altering trauma.
