An Evidence-Based Resource on Spiking for Higher Education and Beyond

Why was the toolkit developed?

Findings from the Drinkaware Monitor surveys and related research have highlighted challenges surrounding awareness of spiking, reporting behaviours, access to support services, and understanding of reporting and investigation processes. In response, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) developed an Educational Toolkit on Spiking to provide clear, accessible, and evidence-based information that helps individuals recognise, respond to, and report suspected spiking incidents.

What is spiking?

Spiking is the act of adding a substance to another person’s drink, food, vape, cigarette, or body (for example, by injection) without their knowledge or consent.

Examples include:

· Adding drugs or pharmaceutical substances to a drink or food

· Adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic drink

· Adding higher-strength alcohol to an alcoholic drink

· Administering substances through injection or other means (food, vape etc.)

What does the toolkit provide?

Designed for university staff and students, but suitable for anyone wishing to increase their awareness and understanding of spiking, the toolkit provides practical guidance on:

· Recognising the signs and symptoms of spiking

· Reporting pathways and available options

· Accessing support services

· Understanding police investigation processes

· Anonymous and non-anonymous reporting routes

· Myth-busting common misconceptions about spiking

· Making informed decisions about what to do next

Toolkit co-production with students and stakeholders

The toolkit is informed by extensive research conducted in collaboration with Drinkaware Charity, including data collected through the Drinkaware Monitor surveys (2022, 2023 and 2025). The content is further informed by guidance and resources from the Home Office, Police UK, NHS, Universities UK, police forces, specialist charities, and sector experts.

The toolkit was drafted by Ms Kirsty Barron, an ARU Forensic Science graduate and research assistant on the project. To ensure relevance, clarity, accessibility, and usability, draft versions were reviewed by ARU students through focus groups and by external stakeholders, including charities, police representatives, researchers, policy makers, and support organisations. Feedback from these groups informed the final content of the toolkit.

Adaptable for any institution or region

The toolkit was developed at Anglia Ruskin University as part of a programme of research into spiking and has been designed to be easily transferable and adaptable for wider use. Organisations, institutions, and individuals can adapt the toolkit for their own context by updating reporting pathways, support services, local contact information and, where applicable, emergency contact numbers.

The toolkit supports education, awareness, and safeguarding by helping individuals understand how to recognise, respond to, and report suspected spiking incidents. It provides a practical, real-world resource that promotes informed decision-making, knowledge of support pathways, and understanding of reporting and investigation processes. Podcasts, panel discussions and research reports are available from Home | Dr Lata Gautam and the toolkit can be downloaded from https://latagautam.com/spiking_tk

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact the project lead, Dr Lata Gautam at Lata.Gautam@aru.ac.uk

Dr Lata Gautam, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK