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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations think i was drugged • drink spiking • i was spiked • date rape drug • woke up confused • memory gap after night out • blackout and scared • woke up with injuries • unsure if assaulted • sexual assault while intoxicated • drugged and assaulted • may have been raped • can’t remember what happened • suspicious symptoms after drink • impaired and vulnerable • possible sexual assault • someone took advantage • afraid something happened • felt unusually drunk

What to do if…
you believe you were drugged and something sexual may have happened while you were impaired

Short answer

Get somewhere safe and get medical support as soon as you can—ideally via a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or A&E if you feel unwell or injured.

Do not do these things

  • Do not force yourself to “work out what happened” by replaying fragments or questioning yourself repeatedly while you’re in shock.
  • Do not confront or message the person you’re worried about right now (it can increase risk and can create confusing records).
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into reporting to police immediately if you’re not ready (unless you’re in immediate danger—then call 999).
  • Do not drive yourself if you feel drowsy, confused, or unsteady.
  • Do not assume it “doesn’t count” because you were drinking or can’t remember—being unable to consent is taken seriously.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. Move to a well-lit place with people around, or to a trusted friend’s home. If you feel in danger right now, call 999.
  2. Get medical help urgently if you feel unwell, injured, or keep drifting off. Go to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance if symptoms are severe (collapse, breathing problems, repeated vomiting, seizures, extreme confusion).
  3. If you can, contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) (or equivalent sexual assault service) as soon as possible. They can offer confidential care, support, and (if you want) forensic options, and you can self-refer without having to report to police first.
  4. If you’re not sure where to start, call urgent health advice for your nation and ask specifically about suspected spiking and possible sexual assault support.
    • NHS 111 (England/Scotland/Wales)
    • HSC 111 (Northern Ireland)
  5. Write down what you do know—briefly. In your phone notes: where you were, approximate times, what you drank, who you were with, how you got home, and any symptoms (even if it’s incomplete). Screenshot any relevant messages or ride receipts.
  6. Ask someone you trust to be with you. A calm support person can help you get to care, keep you from being alone, and help you remember what was said at appointments.
  7. If you may want medical/forensic options later: if you can, avoid washing/changing clothes until you’ve spoken to a SARC/A&E—but do not delay urgent medical care to do this.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to report to police.
  • You do not need to “prove” anything before getting help.
  • You do not need to contact the venue, the suspected person, or mutual friends today.
  • You do not need to make big life decisions (relationship, work, moving) while you’re still in the immediate aftermath.

Important reassurance

Feeling confused, ashamed, numb, angry, or uncertain is a common shock response—especially when memory is affected. Not remembering clearly does not make your concern “less valid,” and it does not mean you did anything wrong.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on safety, health, and keeping your options open. Later decisions (medical follow-up, reporting, formal statements) can be taken one step at a time with specialist support.

Important note

This is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you are in immediate danger or seriously unwell, call 999 or go to A&E.

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