How has Technology assisted in the fight against Drink Spiking
According to a survey conducted in the UK, a staggering 70% of people between the ages of 18 and 24 have either experienced or witnessed drink spiking. Even more alarming, over half of women (51%) and 69% of LGBTQ+ individuals reported being affected.
Drink spiking refers to situations where drugs or alcohol are secretly added to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent. This is often done to make it easier to commit serious crimes like sexual assault or robbery.
Thankfully, in today’s tech-driven world, technology is playing a growing role in prevention. From smart devices that detect drugs in drinks within seconds, to mobile apps that allow easier tracking and personal alarms that alert others, these innovations are helping people stay safer during nights out—and reducing the number of spiking incidents overall.
Smart drinkware and accessories like cups, straws, or even scrunchies have been designed with hidden features to detect harmful substances in drinks. Some change color within seconds when dipped into a drink that has been tampered with. Others, like the popular NightCap, look like regular scrunchies but stretch over your cup to block anything from being dropped into it.
Several mobile apps and wearable devices are also now being used as safety tools to help prevent drink spiking and other forms of assault. Apps like Circle of 6 and Noonlight allow users to share their real-time location with trusted friends, send quick SOS alerts, or set up fake calls to escape uncomfortable situations.
There are also wearable safety devices, such as smart rings, keychains, or bracelets, that can silently activate alarms or send alerts with just a tap or squeeze. These are especially useful in crowded or noisy environments where calling for help might not be easy.
While these tools don’t replace the need for safer environments and accountability, they’ve given people—especially women and other vulnerable groups—more control over their personal safety.
However, there’s still a strong need for traditional awareness. We need to educate people, especially young adults, on how to protect themselves and their friends, what to watch out for, and how to respond when something feels off.
We need to actively support one another, share helpful tools, and push for safer spaces.
Let’s talk about it.
Let’s look out for our friends.
Let’s share safety tips, tools, and apps.
Let’s make sure drink spiking doesn’t stay in the shadows.