Heading off on holiday or a backpacking adventure? Whether it’s Bali, Thailand, Spain or Greece or somewhere else sunny, it’s all about good vibes, great nights out, and making memories. But here’s the thing: while you’re busy soaking up the fun, it’s easy to forget about the risks that can come with dodgy drinks or spiking.
No one wants their trip abroad to turn into a trip to the hospital, so it’s worth knowing how to help yourself stay safe. Let’s break it down.
What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone sneaks something into your drink, like drugs or harmful substances, without you knowing. It can be done to make you blackout, incapacitated, or worse.
Methanol spiking is when alcohol is contaminated with methanol to save money. In tourist hotspots, it’s not unheard of, so you’ve got to stay on your toes. Check FCDO travel advice for your destination and sign up to email alerts for the most up-to-date information before you travel.
How to spot spiking
It’s not always obvious when a drink has been spiked, but here’s what to look out for:
- Methanol spiking: Symptoms hit harder and faster than regular alcohol. If you’re suddenly dizzy, nauseous, or struggling to see properly after just a couple of drinks, something’s off.
- Drug spiking: Feeling way more drunk than you should, drowsy, or confused could mean your drink’s been tampered with. Some people experience hallucinations, paranoia, and memory blackouts. Trust your gut—if something feels wrong, it probably is.
How to prevent spiking
Here’s how to keep your drink (and yourself) safe while enjoying a night out:
- Keep an eye on your drink. Don’t leave it unattended, even for a second. If it smells or tastes odd, bin it.
- Say no to drinks from strangers. Better safe than sorry.
- Go to reputable venues. Stick to places with a decent reputation—shady bars aren’t worth the risk.
- Don’t overdo it. Alcohol can hit harder abroad because measures are sometimes larger, and dehydration from heat can make you feel worse. Stay in control.
- Check FCDO travel advice for your destination and sign up to email alerts for the most up-to-date information before you travel.
- Check Stamp Out Spiking for more information on how to prevent spiking.
- Plan your trip home. Arrange transport before heading out so you’re not stuck accepting dodgy lifts.
How to spot methanol poisoning
Methanol poisoning is when you accidentally drink methanol—a toxic chemical that sometimes ends up in dodgy booze. Once you ingest methanol and your body processes it, it turns into formic acid, which is seriously bad news.
Even a tiny amount can mess with your system, causing all sorts of nasty effects like vision problems, permanent damage to your central nervous system, or, in extreme cases, death.
The problem? Methanol is tasteless and has a faint smell, so you wouldn’t know it’s there until it’s too late. It’s sometimes used in counterfeit or homemade alcohol to cut costs, which means it’s most likely to show up in shady local spirits or cheap cocktails.
How to spot the signs of methanol poisoning
Spotting methanol poisoning can be tricky because at first, it can feel like regular alcohol poisoning. But there are key differences to watch for:
- Early signs: You might feel confused, dizzy, extremely tired, or even start throwing up.
- Serious symptoms appear 12-48 hours after drinking, so be vigilant even the day after. Headaches, nausea, seizures, or even slipping into a coma are common symptoms. Basically, if you’re feeling very drunk, out of proportion to how much you’ve had to drink, get help ASAP.
- Vision issues can also appear 12-48 hours after the first drink. Methanol poisoning can cause blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, and even complete blindness. If you or a mate are complaining about “snowfield vision” (seeing snowy static like an old TV) or tunnel vision, that’s a red flag.
If you or anyone you’re with starts to show any of these signs, call or visit the local hospital immediately. It could save your life or prevent serious complications.
How to avoid methanol poisoning
Methanol has a faint smell and is tasteless, so it can be hard to know if your drink has been contaminated. So here are a few tips to keep you and your mates safe:
- Stick to legit places. Only buy your drinks from proper bars, reputable hotels or licenced shops. The cheap cocktail van on the beach? Maybe skip it.
- Avoid homemade booze. Local spirits or homemade vodka might seem fun and adventurous, but they’re high-risk.
- Check your bottles. Seals should be intact, and labels should look legit (no misspellings or dodgy print).
- Be picky about cocktails. Stick to sealed or bottled drinks. Pre-mixed cocktails and “buckets” (cheap mixed drinks served in plastic containers) in touristy areas can be a gamble.
- Report incidents. Let the local authorities know if you suspect methanol poisoning–this can help prevent further incidents.
How is methanol poisoning treated?
If you suspect methanol poisoning, either for yourself or a mate, you need to act fast. Timing is critical. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical help straight away. Don’t wait to “see if it gets better.” Call for emergency help or head to the nearest hospital.
- What doctors will do: They’ll give you an antidote like ethanol (yep, actual alcohol) or a drug called Fomepizole to stop methanol from turning toxic in your body. You might also get dialysis to flush out the methanol and fix the damage.
- Time matters: Treatment is most effective within 10–30 hours of drinking methanol. Don’t delay.
When you’re travelling, it’s easy to let your guard down. You’re there to have fun, after all. But staying a little cautious can make the difference between a great holiday story and a total nightmare.