RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Drink and injection spiking: how to approach an increase in presentations?
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 308
OP 312
DO 10.1136/emermed-2022-212612
VO 40
IS 4
A1 Blandamer, Tess
A1 Daniels, Jo
A1 Dear, James
A1 Birse, Fraser
A1 Carlton, Edward
A1 Burgess, Kate
A1 Roberts, Tom
YR 2023
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/40/4/308.abstract
AB In 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of reported drink spiking incidents across the UK. The new phenomenon of spiking via injection also emerged, which gained significant media attention. Campaigns encouraged potential spiking victims to attend an ED for testing. However, there is limited published research on drink spiking and no published studies on injection spiking. One UK guideline for the management of spiking exists, advising testing ‘if clinically indicated’ and is likely underused. Therefore, patients are often managed without drug testing, psychological support or a clear onward referral pathway. This practice review will explore the background of spiking, discuss drug testing options and highlight the psychological sequelae of spiking. An example guideline for the management of spiking incidents is attached.