Recent data highlights a clear trend: drink spiking remains underreported but increasingly recognised.

According to 2025 monitoring data:

• Around 2% of adults report being spiked in the past year
• Younger adults (18–34) are more likely to experience it than older groups
• Awareness is high, but understanding of risks and motivations still varies

At the same time, separate reports suggest that only a small proportion of victims report incidents—as low as 10% in some cases .

Why Is It Increasing?

Experts point to several factors:

• Greater awareness leading to more reporting
• Social media amplifying incidents
• A wider range of settings (not just clubs, but house parties and private events)

Drink spiking is not limited to adding drugs—it can also include adding extra alcohol without consent, which is equally illegal .

The Bigger Picture

Drink spiking is often linked to serious crimes such as sexual assault and theft, making it a public safety issue—not just a nightlife concern .

The takeaway:
Awareness is improving—but prevention and protection tools are becoming increasingly important.

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