Almost one million adults in the UK may have fallen victim to drink spiking in the past year, according to a major new study highlighting the scale of the crime and the extent of underreporting.
The research, based on a large national survey, found that around two per cent of British adults reported having their drink spiked within the previous 12 months. If representative of the wider population, this would equate to nearly one million victims across the UK.
Despite the scale of the issue, the majority of cases go unreported. The study found that 77 per cent of respondents did not contact the police, with many saying they did not believe action would be taken or could not clearly remember what had happened.
Women were identified as the most common victims, accounting for 58 per cent of cases, while bars were the most frequent location, representing 41 per cent of incidents. People aged between 25 and 34 reported the highest number of cases.
The survey, conducted by YouGov in summer 2025 and involving more than 7,000 adults, was carried out by forensic science academics at Anglia Ruskin University in partnership with alcohol charity Drinkaware. The findings are due to be presented at the Cambridge Festival.
Experts have warned that the true scale of drink spiking could be even higher due to widespread underreporting.
Drink spiking involves adding substances such as drugs, alcohol or pharmaceuticals to a person’s drink without their knowledge. It can be linked to serious offences including sexual assault, physical assault and theft. Although all forms of spiking are illegal, and the UK government introduced it as a standalone offence in 2024, campaigners say more awareness and reporting are needed.
Sara and Stephen Ridgewell previously described their experience after being spiked at a social event in 2023. The couple said they had consumed only a small amount of alcohol before losing memory of the evening.
“We were both very scared and shocked this could happen. We were out as a couple with people we knew, and assumed we were in a safe environment where we could relax,” Ms Ridgewell said.
They later woke up in a hotel room with no recollection of how they had arrived, with Mr Ridgewell suffering injuries after falling.
“It’s such a scary thing – I’ve been out a million times for drinks with friends – something happens where you don’t know where you’ve been,” he said. “I wasn’t in control of my body… it’s the what could’ve happened that’s really scary.”
Dr Lata Gautam, Associate Professor in Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University, said the findings show a worrying gap between incidents and reporting.
“Drink spiking has increased in the public’s consciousness in recent years, but our latest findings show that far too many cases still go unreported,” she said.
“With more than three-quarters of victims not coming forward, it’s vital that we raise awareness about the importance of contacting the police and seeking support.”
Annabelle Bonus, Director of Research, Strategy and Impact at Drinkaware, also stressed the seriousness of the issue.
“Drink spiking is a serious crime that can happen to anyone, anywhere. With our survey suggesting that more than a million people are affected each year, it is vital that victims feel confident reporting it to the police,” she said.
Police say tackling drink spiking remains a priority but acknowledge the challenges involved in investigating such cases.
A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “Spiking can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims and feelings of safety.”
They added that early reporting is essential, as substances can leave the body quickly, making evidence harder to obtain.
“We are aware spiking remains significantly under-reported and we would encourage anyone who is a victim of spiking to report it to the police as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“If something doesn’t feel right then come forward and tell us, so we can investigate and take steps to prevent further incidents. You will be listened to, and you will be taken seriously.”