PanicStation.org
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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations someone offered me a drink • drink they opened for me • drink they poured for me • uneasy about a drink • pressured to accept a drink • stranger insists i drink • friend insisting i drink • worried about being drugged • i think my drink was spiked • i don't trust this drink • drink left unattended • they won't let me see it opened • i feel unsafe on a date • someone won't take no • bar safety concern • party safety concern • i feel vulnerable in public • nightlife safety help • sexual assault hotline • i need help leaving safely

What to do if…
someone tries to get you to accept a drink they opened or poured and you feel uneasy

Short answer

Don’t drink it. Create distance, get to people/staff, and make a safe exit plan that you control.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t drink it to avoid awkwardness, pressure, or conflict.
  • Don’t keep negotiating while staying close; set it down and move away.
  • Don’t let them separate you from friends or into a more private place.
  • Don’t leave with them or rely on them for transport; choose staff or a trusted person and a ride you control.
  • Don’t tell yourself you “need proof” before taking it seriously.

What to do now

  1. Stop the interaction in the simplest way. Say: “No thanks.” Then set the drink down (bar/table), and step away. Your goal is distance, not a perfect explanation.
  2. Move toward safety with witnesses. Go to the bar, near staff/security, or into a well-lit area with other people. If you’re with friends, say: “I’m not comfortable — stay with me.”
  3. Ask staff/security for a specific action. Example: “Someone is pressuring me to drink. I need help getting away from them and leaving safely.”
    • Ask them to keep the person away, walk you to your ride, or let you wait in a staff-visible area while you arrange transport.
  4. Choose an exit you control. Call/text a trusted person to meet you at the door, order your own rideshare, or ask staff to call a taxi. Keep your phone and keys in your own hands.
  5. If you feel suddenly unwell, treat it as urgent. If you feel unusually dizzy, confused, extremely sleepy, or “more intoxicated than you should be,” tell someone: “I feel unwell — I need help now.”
    • Call 911 (or ask staff to call) if you’re seriously unwell, fainting, vomiting repeatedly, can’t stay awake, or feel unsafe.
  6. If you think there may have been spiking or any sexual contact you didn’t consent to, you can get care without deciding about police right now. Go to an emergency department and say: “I’m worried I was drugged and I want to be checked.” If you want to keep options open, ask whether they have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program or can provide a sexual assault medical forensic exam in a patient-centred way.
  7. Get confidential, specialist support (any time, including if you’re unsure). You can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) by phone or online chat to be connected to local support.
  8. If you may want to report later, preserve options lightly (only if it feels manageable). Save ride receipts/confirmations, note the venue and approximate time, and avoid deleting messages. You don’t need to confront anyone or “prove” anything in the moment.

What can wait

  • You don’t have to decide tonight whether you will report to police.
  • You don’t have to keep socializing or “finish the night.”
  • You don’t have to explain yourself to the person or your group beyond “I’m leaving.”
  • You don’t have to determine exactly what was in the drink before getting help.

Important reassurance

Feeling uneasy is enough. Pressure around drinks can trigger a freeze/appease response — that’s common and not your fault. The priority is your safety, not social smoothness.

Scope note

This is first steps only: immediate safety, getting support, and keeping your choices open. If you want it, local advocates can help you sort next steps when you’re safe and calmer.

Important note

This is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you feel in immediate danger or suddenly unwell, call 911. Support is available even if you’re not sure what happened.

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