For a lot of women, one of the scarier parts of going out for a night on the town is the threat that someone might drug your drink. It’s surprisingly easy for a predator to quickly do this without being noticed and then take advantage of your weakened state.
While the victim is never to blame in these situations, there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe during a night out. Here are some of the best ways to do so.
If you can at all help it, try to go out with friends. This goes double if you’re going to a new bar or club, or in a city that is unfamiliar. You want to make sure there is someone on hand who is also keeping tabs on you.
Predatory individuals are less likely to target people who are in a tight-knit group, as it gets much harder to slip something into their drink or steal away with someone who is inebriated.
If you’re at the bar and someone offers you a drink that you didn’t see anyone prepare or bring to you, politely decline. No matter how pretty or handsome the person offering the drink is, it’s better safe than sorry. If someone insists on buying you a drink, make sure you see the bartender make it and take it from the bartender directly.
There’s no reason to put yourself at risk for a free drink.
If you’re not paying attention to your drink, put your hand over the lip. Carry your drink with you from the top, with your hand covering the top. It doesn’t matter how good someone is at sleight of hand if your hand is physically blocking the opening of your glass.
It’s hard to remember to do this, so try to get in the habit of it if you spend a lot of nights in crowded clubs.
If your drink smells or tastes funny, let the people you’re with know. Don’t drink something if it doesn’t smell or taste right. There’s no reason for you to risk your safety over not wanting to look paranoid. If you think you’ve been drugged somehow, stop drinking and consider getting a ride home, or to the doctor’s office.
Make sure you bring a friend with you, wherever you go.
