Drink spiking: signs, what to do and where to get help

Practical, sourced information about drink spiking in Australia — what the signs actually look like, what to do in the moment, and where to get help. Written plainly, checked against Australian health and drug-information sources, and free for anyone to use or share.

If something is happening right now

Stop drinking it, tell someone you trust or venue staff, stay with people, and if you feel unwell get to a hospital or call 000. You are not overreacting.

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Full guide

Has my drink been spiked? Signs, symptoms and what to do

The common signs and why they're easy to mistake for being drunk, exactly what to do in the moment, what to do the morning after, and the numbers to call.

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A hand resting on a tall glass with a lime wedge, a Verri drink check wristband worn on the wrist.

Quick answers

What are the signs your drink has been spiked?

Many signs overlap with being drunk. What stands out is the speed and the mismatch: feeling far more affected than the amount you've had would explain. Watch for feeling drunk or dizzy after one or two drinks, sudden drowsiness, confusion, nausea, loss of balance and memory gaps.

The full list of signs

What should you do if you think your drink has been spiked?

Stop drinking it. Tell someone now: a trusted friend, venue staff or security. Stay with people. If you feel unwell, go to a hospital emergency department or call 000. If it's safe and practical, keep the drink, as a sample can help later testing or a police report.

What to do, step by step

What should you do the morning after?

See a doctor or go to a hospital as soon as you can, as some drugs leave the system quickly. If you think you were sexually assaulted, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24/7. You can get medical care and support without reporting to police.

The morning-after guide

Where to get help

Free, confidential, and available whether or not you report anything.

Emergency000
1800RESPECT · 24/71800 737 732
Police131 444
ADF DrugInfo1300 85 85 84

More guides on the way

We're building this one properly researched guide at a time rather than publishing filler.

  • How to prevent drink spiking: a practical guideComing soon
  • GHB, ketamine and Rohypnol: the drugs used in drink spikingComing soon
  • Drink spiking in Australia: what the data actually saysComing soon
  • Drink spiking at festivals: a safety guideComing soon
How Verri worksWhat our strips and wristbands screen for, and what they don't. FAQProduct, shipping and ordering questions. For venues & eventsStocking Verri for a venue, festival or campus.

How we research. Every guide is written from Australian health and drug-information sources, including the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and the Better Health Channel, and lists its sources at the end. Last reviewed 24 September 2026 · The Verri Team.

Verri kits are for screening purposes only and are not TGA-approved medical devices. A negative result does not guarantee a drink is safe. Always use caution and never leave your drink unattended. This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.