31 December 2005

Health Minister warns of drink spiking this New Years' Eve

NSW Health Minister, John Hatzistergos has issued a warning to partygoers this New Year's Eve to be aware of the dangers of drink spiking with sedatives such as GHB.

"One Sydney sexual assault service say that twenty five per cent of males and females reporting sexual assault have stated the incident occurred after drink spiking," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"These figures, from part of the Sydney South West Area Health Service sexual assault service, show a nine percent increase since 1998," he said.

"Drink spiking is a growing problem, and men and women of all ages need to understand the potential dangers.

"This New Year's Eve look out for your friends, stick with your group, don't leave drinks unattended, and don't accept drinks from strangers.

"Tampering with someone's drink is an extremely dangerous practice. That is why earlier this year the government introduced a penalty of up to two years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of spiking a drink even as a prank," Mr Hatzistergos said.

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 one of the 'date-rape' drugs 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 Sydney South West Area Health Service, has seen victims of drink spiking.

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

Mr Griffiths warned pill and powder type drugs could be easily slipped into a person's drink within seconds. Extra alcohol can also be added. 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.

"Don't drink a drink if you feel unsure about it and always remember that if you suspect your drink has been spiked, never drive your car. Take a cab, ask a friend for a ride or call an ambulance," he said.

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