TY - JOUR A1 - Bendau, Antonia A1 - Michnevich, Twyla A1 - Petzold, Moritz B. A1 - Piest, Andrea A1 - Schmolke, Rüdiger A1 - Jakobson, Daniel A1 - Ahrend, Katharin A1 - Reitz, Thale A1 - Roediger, Lukas A1 - Betzler, Felix T1 - Spiking Versus Speculation? Perceived Prevalence, Probability, and Fear of Drink and Needle Spiking JF - Journal of Drug Issues N2 - Contrasting widespread speculation in the media and public debate about spiking (administration of a substance to a person without their knowledge/consent), empirical evidence on the subject is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the assumed prevalence, perceived likelihood, and fear of drink-versus needle-spiking, and associated mental strain. Data from a cross-sectional online-survey (November 2022 – January 2023) of 1916 adults connected to Berlin’s nightlife-scene were analyzed. Almost a quarter reported having experienced drink-spiking, but only a small fraction sought medical or police attention; about 1% suspected needle-spiking. Presumptive victims of drink-spiking rated the likelihood and fear of spiking significantly higher and exhibited more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Considering toxicological and police findings, the reported prevalence and perceived likelihood of spiking seem to be highly overestimated. This, in conjunction with associated mental strain, highlights the importance of adequately addressing the issue of spiking through psychoeducation, prevention, and interprofessional investigation. KW - Nadelstechen KW - Tropfen KW - Nadel KW - Injektionsspritze KW - Rauschgift KW - Panik KW - K.O.-Tropfen Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426231197826 SN - 0022-0426 SN - 1945-1369 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Sage Publications CY - London ER -