DRINK SPIKING ON THE RISE: JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE

Imagine going out with friends and waking up the next morning without any
memory of the night before.

This is not just a case of a severe hangover, people are at risk of having
their drinks spiked and the situation usually ends with unsuspecting
drinkers in a predicament they wish had never happened.

The Bermuda Junior Service League (BJSL) said that instances of drink
spiking are on the rise in Bermuda and that there are a range of drugs that
have been put in drinks to disorient the unsuspecting.

"We would like to remind people not to leave their drinks unattended," said
Deborah Titterton Narraway, chairperson of the BJSL's 'Don't Leave Your
Drink' campaign. "Most people never think about the dangers of stepping away
from their drink, even for a moment. But all it takes is a couple of seconds
for something to be slipped into a drink. The results can be devastating."

The 'Don't Leave Your Drink' campaign aims to warn people, who may be out in
clubs and bars that the potential for drink spiking is on the rise and the
serious issues that can arise from it.

The drugs that are being slipped into drinks are colourless, odourless and
tasteless so they are easily disguisable, said BJSL.

But the effects of the drugs are rarely disguisable, said BJSL, and it can
make people nauseous, suddenly very tired or drunk and can induce memory
loss "rendering the victim extremely vulnerable to a sexual attack".

BJSL have released posters, designed by RBK, that will be displayed in the
lady's restrooms of participating bars and clubs to raise awareness about
the possible danger of these drugs.

"Our goal is to bring to the public's attention the increasing problem of
drink spiking and that the only way to prevent this from happening to you is
'Don't Leave Your Drink'," said Ms Titterton Narraway.

Men should not fear either, Ms Titterton Narraway said that although BJSL is
a women's volunteer service and that the focus is on women and children this
year, the campaign will incorporate men in the future.

"Drink spiking is a sensitive subject and BJSL is rolling out this campaign
slowly to gauge the public's response. As the posters campaign progresses
and our sponsorship grows we will be targeting men also. Several
establishments have requested posters for their men's room and we are happy
to accommodate," she said.

In the meantime, people need to be aware of the dangers that these drugs
pose when they are out on the town.

BJSL advises people to never leave their drinks unattended, to only accept
drinks that have they have seen poured, never to accept a drink from
strangers, drink from a bottle if possible, and keep a thumb over the top,
if feeling drunk without much to drink turn to a trusted friend, throw away
any suspicious drinks or ones that have been left unattended and think
carefully before going off with someone you have just met.

Soon, BJSL will also be issuing coasters with drink tester strips and
personal test strips that will be distributed to participating clubs and
bars and also retail stores.

"Patrons can dip their finger in their drink and place the liquid on the
tester strip to see if specific drugs have been added. These products will
be introduced at a later date," Ms Titterton Narraway said.

If you feel you have been a victim of drink spiking, BJSL advises people to
seek medical attention or call 911 and report any incidents of this
dangerous practice.