Drink Spiking

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE BEEN DRUGGED AND NEED HELP RIGHT NOW, CALL 911 OR HAVE A FRIEND TAKE YOU TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

MSU does not tolerate sexual assault, drugging, over-serving, or any non-consensual/criminal acts against another person.

Reognizing that many students want options for safety regarding drink spiking, Student Wellness offers the following information:

What is Drugging ("Drink Spiking")?

Drugging or drink spiking is when someone adds alcohol or drugs to a person’s drink without their knowledge or consent.

Overserving or overpouring alcohol is the most common form of spiking. While drink covers can be a good preventative tool, they do not guarantee protection from overpouring or tampering. If used, drink covers should always be used in addition to the other safety tips provided. 

If you use a drink cover and are drugged, it is not your fault.

Drugging is a crime and a violation of the MSU Conduct Code.

This can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender.

Safety Tips:

We shouldn’t have to worry about this, but unfortunately there are shady people out there.

A few safety tips:

• Go out with a plan and trusted friends.
• Look out for friends. Arrive and leave together.
• Watch your drink being made.
• Avoid sharing drinks.
• Keep drinks in sight.
• Don’t take drinks from anyone you don’t know.
• Check in with friends throughout the night.
• Look out for friends. Step in if something feels off.

Someone could do all of these or none of these and still be targeted. Only the perpetrator is to blame.

For Friends & Bystanders:

If someone seems suddenly intoxicated or disoriented:

• Check in directly: “Are you okay?”
• Don’t let them leave alone.
• Stay with them until they are safe.
• If you don’t know them, don’t take them anywhere (they don’t know you’re safe).
• Help them get medical care if needed.
• Avoid judgment or minimizing.
• Document concerns if appropriate.
• Refer them to resources and support their choices.

Signs You May Have Been Drugged:

Some substances act quickly and may:

• Cause sudden extreme intoxication
• Impair memory
• Make it difficult to move or speak
• Increase vulnerability to assault, robbery, or other crimes

You might notice:

• Feeling much more intoxicated than expected
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Memory gaps
• Loss of coordination
• Extreme drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Feeling disoriented or “out of body

What To Do If You Suspect You've Been Drugged:

Immediately:

• Tell a trusted friend, bartender, host, or staff member.
• Do not leave alone.
• Do not go somewhere private with someone you just met.
• Seek medical care as soon as possible.

If You Can:

• Save the drink or container.
• Write down as much as you can remember.
• Screenshot texts, ride shares, or location history.
• Avoid showering or changing clothes if you may want forensic evidence collected.
• Seek medical care (ideally within 12-24 hours) to:
  • Assess health and safety
  • Test for substances
  • Provide preventative care
  • Have a forensic exam if desired

You are in control of what steps you choose to take. Support is available regardless of whether you report.

Your health and safety come first.

Reporting

If this happened to you or you know about it happening to others, you can report it at:

University Police/Silent Witness

Bozeman Police

Campus Civil Rights

Dean of Students

Medical Amnesty

MSU has a Medical Amnesty Policy that protects those seeking medical help when drugs or alcohol are involved. If students are underage or using illegal drugs and seek assistance according to the policy, they will not be subject to disciplinary sanctions or have conduct files created for the related alcohol/drug violations.

Resources for Students

Resources for Community/Students