Students Debate the Need for Stricter Security Measures to Combat New Forms of Spiking
When I first started going out, I was warned to always cover my drink, a piece of advice I mostly ignored, preferring to gulp it down quickly at the bar like a nervous freshman. Despite all the practice, my pint-pounding skills haven’t improved much.
Fast forward to 2021, and the danger has evolved. To avoid being spiked now, you’re expected to not only cover your drink, but also wear dark, thick layers to prevent anyone from seeing or touching you, let alone injecting something into your skin. While covering your drink is manageable, avoiding needle spiking in the middle of a busy club? That’s a whole different challenge.
The growing reports of injection spiking highlight the urgency of the issue. This form of spiking remains a serious problem, especially as university terms begin and clubs reopen after a long hiatus.
Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion among students about a petition calling for clubs to make thorough searches a legal requirement for entry. While some of my friends strongly support the idea, I find myself torn.
On one hand, I understand the desire for increased security. It would likely make me feel safer, too. After all, anything is better than nothing, even if it’s just a temporary fix. In times like these, there’s no time to wait for long-term research or educational campaigns to make a difference—though those should definitely be pursued.
