PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Personal safety & immediate danger unattended drink worry • left my drink alone • drink left unattended • food left unattended • i feel unsafe in a venue • suspicious drink at bar • someone could have touched it • worried my drink was drugged • possible drink spiking • roofied drink concern • my drink tastes strange • open drink i didn’t see made • party drink safety worry • club night out safety • restaurant safety concern • tampered food concern • possible poisoning concern • suddenly more drunk than expected • feel unwell after one drink • i don’t trust this drink

What to do if…
you notice your drink or food was left unattended and you feel unsafe about it

Short answer

Stop consuming it, move to a safer spot with a trusted person, and involve venue staff right away. If you feel unwell or unsafe, call 911; for poisoning/drugging concerns you can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep drinking/eating it “to be polite” or to test it.
  • Do not taste it again or ask someone else to try it.
  • Do not leave alone with someone you don’t fully trust, especially if you feel dizzy, confused, very sleepy, or unusually intoxicated.
  • Do not confront a suspected person by yourself.
  • Do not drive if you feel impaired, unusually sleepy, confused, or sick.

What to do now

  1. Stop and relocate: Put the drink/food down and move to a staffed, well-lit area (bar counter, host stand, security). Stay with a trusted friend and tell them what you’re worried about.
  2. Tell staff and ask for help: Say: “My drink/food was left unattended and I don’t feel safe. Can you help me get somewhere safe and get medical help if needed?” Ask for a manager or security/welfare staff.
  3. Replace safely (or skip it): If you want a replacement, request a new drink opened/poured in front of you (or a sealed container you open yourself). For food, request a new dish or pause eating until you feel settled.
  4. If you feel “not right,” act early: If you feel faint, very sleepy, confused, sick, have trouble breathing, pass out, or feel far more intoxicated than expected:
    • Call 911 (or have staff call) if you feel unsafe or symptoms are severe.
    • Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for fast, free guidance if you suspect poisoning/drugging and it’s not a clear 911 emergency.
  5. If you may want to report later (optional): Don’t investigate. Write down the basics (time, place, what you consumed, who you were with, symptoms). If it’s safe, ask staff whether they can set the item aside and keep any relevant video.
  6. If this involves packaged food from a store (optional): Report it to the store manager right away. If you’re already home, contact local law enforcement or your local health department. If the product contains meat or poultry, you can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline.
  7. If you think you may have been sexually assaulted (optional): Prioritise safety and medical care. You can go to an emergency department when you’re safe enough, and you can contact a sexual assault hotline for support if you want.
  8. Get home safely: Leave with someone you trust. If you’re not okay to travel alone, ask the venue to help arrange safe transportation. If you feel unwell, do not drive.

What can wait

  • Deciding whether to make a police report.
  • Figuring out exactly what happened or who was involved.
  • Posting about it or messaging people connected to the situation.
  • Any formal complaint process with the venue or store.

Important reassurance

You don’t need proof to take safety steps. If something feels off, stopping, getting staff help, and leaving with support is a reasonable response.

Scope note

This is first steps only for the next minutes/hours. If symptoms appear or worsen, prioritise emergency care and poison guidance over trying to “figure it out” in the moment.

Important note

This is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you are in immediate danger or severely unwell, call 911. If you suspect poisoning, Poison Control can advise what to do next. If you suspect intentional tampering, you can report it to the venue/store and local authorities when you are safe.

Additional Resources
Support us