What is drink spiking?
Adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent, with the intention of causing unconsciousness, theft, sexual assault, or other abuse. Some offenders even see it as a harmless prank, though it can have devastating consequences.
What motivates perpetrators of drink spiking?
Motivations vary — from a “joke,” to attempts at theft, up to sexual assault.
How is the Czech Republic doing in preventing drug use in connection with violence or crime in nightlife, such as the phenomenon of drink spiking?
In the Report on Illegal Drugs in the Czech Republic 2024, there is no specific mention of drink spiking. The focus is mainly on the use of illegal drugs, crimes related to their distribution, drug markets, health consequences, and prevention. Drink spiking, as a specific form of drug misuse, is not elaborated on. This type of crime is not yet being systematically monitored.

You can find the full report here: Zpráva o nelegálních drogách v ČR 2024
What advice can help potential victims reduce the risk of being spiked?
It is important to:
1. Never leave drinks unattended. Watch the process of how your drink is made (at the bar).
2. Pay attention to any changes in taste or appearance of your drink.
3. Be cautious about who you accept drinks from.
4. Go out with friends who look after one another.
5. Notice suspicious behavior. Don’t go home alone if you don’t feel safe.
How can bars and clubs help with prevention?
1. Take part in staff training led by the non-profit Beat Sexism so they are prepared to respond appropriately to cases of drink spiking and effectively monitor this phenomenon.
2. Ensure safety measures — at minimum cameras and free access to water.
What are your next steps?
1. Introduce training for bar and club staff so they can recognize symptoms and respond correctly.
2. Integrate drink spiking into school curricula as part of anti-drug prevention.
3. Improve police practices so that victims feel confident reporting incidents.
4. Provide victims with accessible support — medical, legal, psychological.
5. In the longer term, open a debate on legislative change and push for specific legal recognition of drink spiking as a crime.
Who does drink spiking affect?
In our exploratory study, the majority of victims with personal experience are women (91%), but it is certainly not just a “women’s issue.” It also affects men and queer people.
Is there legislation against drink spiking in the Czech Republic?
No. In the Czech Republic, drink spiking falls under other legal provisions (bodily harm, rape, etc.), so there is no specific legal regulation. However, we should take inspiration from the UK, where spiking is recognized as a separate criminal offense. The goal is to simplify court processes, support victims in reporting, and ensure stricter penalties for offenders.
What substances do perpetrators most often use and what do they cause?
The most common are GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, or Benzodiazepines. They cause disorientation, memory loss, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Victims often do not remember what happened and have no control over the situation.
What to do if you suspect you’ve consumed a “spiked” drink?
1. Contact a trusted person or bar staff immediately. Do not stay alone.
2. Save the remainder of the drink for later analysis or as potential evidence.
3. Stay in a safe place, in a stable position, and drink water.
4. Seek medical help as soon as possible and contact the police. Some substances disappear from the body within hours, so quick medical help is crucial. During examination, ask for toxicology tests.
5. Most importantly, don’t blame yourself. It is never your fault—the responsibility lies entirely with the perpetrator. Seek psychological support if you experience trauma (e.g., proFem, BKB, Persefona, Rosa).
6. Inform others who were at the same place and share your experience to raise awareness.
How do other countries handle it?
For example: The UK has introduced drink spiking as a separate criminal offense, special police units, mandatory staff training, and testing protocols in clubs. This shows that solutions are possible — we just need to start.
What is the ultimate goal of Beat Sexism?
The goal is a safer society and environment, with clear procedures, innovative deep-tech prevention, victim support and eventually legislative change.

First, however, we need nationwide representative data, which will serve as a solid foundation for creating effective prevention, raising awareness, and ensuring greater safety in society.

We Believe Safety Should Never Be Optional.

Drink spiking is a systemic issue. BLURRED by Beat Sexism works to prevent it through data, innovation, and advocacy — so nights out are safe for everyone.

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