With a rise in drink spiking related incidents across the UK, one former Fermanagh student has told of the horror she experienced after having her drink spiked.

The former student is speaking out to warn others as there has also been a rise is the use of a needle to spike those who are on a night out although the PSNI has confirmed that there have been no incidents of spiking involving a form of needle in Northern Ireland this year.

This confirmation comes as data from The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said there have been 198 confirmed reports of drink spiking in September and October across various parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus 24 reports of some form of injection.

The PSNI could not provide The Impartial Reporter with figures for drink spiking for the district at this time as such information would need to be accessed via a Freedom of Information request.

The woman who did not wish to be named spoke of the fear and confusion that a drink spiking can cause.

She said: “When I was spiked, I was very confused and disorientated and my memory instantly fogged from the moment I took a sip of the drink I believed to be spiked.”

“I was very lucky that I did not come into harm’s way, and no one tried to take advantage of me. My friend noted that I had lost my balance after I fell over and was very confused so brought me home.”

“The next morning, I knew something was not right as soon as I woke up and I was very confused and disorientated, I then discovered I had a black eye and bruising to my face from my fall and thought I was concussed.”

“I went to the Emergency Department and was informed I was concussed, and that testing would not be possible as I had taken paracetamol earlier that day for my pain from my fall. I was advised to be more careful when out next time.

“I later found out that on the night I took ill, several other girls had similar symptoms to me and believed that they had also been spiked.”

The Public Health Agency have advised: “Drink spiking can happen to any type of drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

“If you feel ill or become unwell and think you may have been spiked seek medical assistance straight away.”

Speaking about the nature of drink spiking, a PHA spokesperson advised: “The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what you’ve been spiked with. Your symptoms could include: lowered inhibitions, loss of balance, feeling sleepy, visual problems, confusion, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness

“The symptoms will depend on lots of factors such as the substance or mix of substances used, including the dose, your size and weight, whether you are on any medication, and how much alcohol you have already consumed.

“If you, or a friend, start to feel strange, then get help straight away. If you have been drinking alcohol (or taking other substances) and feel more intoxicated than you would expect for the amount you have consumed, then also seek help immediately.”

The PHA also provided The Impartial Reporter with information for what to do if you believe a friend or someone you have been out with has been spiked. A spokesperson advised: “If you are in a bar or nightclub, tell a bar manager, bouncer or other member of staff.

“Stay with them and keep talking to them and call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates.

The PHA further advised: “Don’t let them go home on their own, if possible, don’t let them leave the venue with someone you don’t know or trust, and try to prevent them drinking more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems.

If you wish to be tested if you believe you have been spiked, urine and blood tests carried out in the first 24 to 72 hours are most likely to detect drug traces.

The PSNI is encouraging anyone who believes they have been the victim of drink-spiking, to seek medical advice and make a report to police by contacting 101 or 999 in an emergency.