Sip Safe - Spiked Drink Prevention

Image of a coaster with drink safety tips, including spots to test drinks for drugs

Drink Safety in Benton County

Sip Safe

A partnership between the Corvallis Police Department and the Benton County Health Department.

The Sip Safe Campaign is a partnership focused on raising awareness and preventing drink spiking in Benton County. Drink spiking happens when alcohol or drugs are added to a drink without someone’s knowledge or consent. This can lead to serious harm, theft, overdose, or sexual violence.

 

Why Drink Safety Matters

Drink spiking can happen anywhere people get together, including parties, bars, clubs, or events. Many substances used to spike drinks are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which makes them hard to notice.

Learning about drink safety helps people:

  • Reduce the risk of harm
  • Look out for friends and others
  • Ask for help sooner
  • Create safer social spaces

 

Who Is Responsible? Let’s Be Clear.

The person who tampers with a drink is always responsible for the harm.

People who experience drink spiking are never to blame.

Putting responsibility on potential victims can lead to shame and guilt. It can also make people feel unsafe asking for help. Community responsibility and accountability are important.

Why this matters:

  • Drink spiking affects people of all genders
  • No product or behavior fully prevents someone from being targeted
  • Friends, bystanders, and venues help create safer spaces

Real prevention means holding people accountable for harmful behavior and supporting those who experience harm.

 

Substances That Can Be Used to Spike Drinks

Drink spiking can involve alcohol or other drugs. Some commonly reported substances include:

  • Alcohol (adding more than expected)
  • GHB
  • Ketamine
  • Rohypnol
  • Other sedatives

These substances can make someone feel very drunk very fast, confused, sleepy, or unable to remember what happened—especially when mixed with alcohol.

 

You Will Not Get in Trouble for Asking for Help

In Oregon, people under 21 will not get in trouble for underage drinking if they call for medical help.

Under ORS 471.430, a person under 21 is not charged if:

  • They call 911 or law enforcement to get help for someone who drank too much, or
  • They ask for medical help for themselves

Calling for help can save a life. Safety always comes first.

 

Signs a Drink May Have Been Tampered With

Someone may have had their drink spiked if they:

  • Feel much more intoxicated than expected
  • Feel dizzy or unsteady
  • Feel confused or disoriented
  • Have memory gaps or blackouts
  • Feel very sleepy or pass out
  • Feel sick or vomit

If something feels off, trust your instincts and get help right away.

Environmental Warning Signs

Pay attention to situations that may increase risk, such as:

  • Drinks left unattended
  • Pressure to drink quickly or take shots
  • Someone trying to separate a person from their friends
  • A person who seems much more impaired than expected
  • Someone discouraging medical help

Looking out for each other can stop harm before it happens.

 

How Drink Safety Tools Can Help

Drink-Testing Coasters

Testing coasters can help detect some drugs commonly used in drink spiking.

  • Each coaster has two test spots
  • Add one drop of your drink
  • Blue may mean the drink was tampered with
  • Pink may indicate ketamine
  • Green may indicate GHB

These tools can help start conversations and increase awareness.

Reusable Drink Covers

Reusable drink covers help stop substances from being added to drinks.

  • Stretchy silicone fits most cups and pint glasses
  • Spill-resistant and reusable
  • Hand washable
  • Used with a straw

 

Important Limits to Know

Drink safety tools do not detect all substances and do not guarantee safety. They are one tool meant to:

  • Increase awareness
  • Encourage checking in
  • Support prevention conversations

They are not a complete solution.

 

National, State, and Local Survivor Resources

Oregon State University Survivor Resources

Phone: (541) 758-0219

Address: PO Box 914, Corvallis, OR 97339

Email: info@cardv.org

Phone: 541-737-9165

Address: 2251 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331

Email: cape.prevention@oregonstate.edu

Phone: 541-737-5000

Email: saferide@oregonstate.edu

  • Safe Bar Network
     A community-based effort that works with venues to promote safer nightlife environments and prevent harm.

Phone: 816-237-8628

Email: info@safebarnetwork.org

 

 

 

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