The Drink Safely Miami campaign began during Alcohol Awareness Month this April.
Advocates including the Survivor’s Pathway, a local victims advocacy group, are spreading awareness for people to pay attention to what they drink in bars – and to keep an eye out when they put down their cup.
The majority of drink-spiking incidents occur at house parties, but bars and clubs are equally as risky. Spiked drinks can cause difficulty breathing, nausea, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, difficulty focusing and changes in body temperature.
Helena Poleo, spokesperson for Drink Safely Miami, said many cases of spiked drinks are unreported and that women are not the only victims.
“Everybody needs to be aware of where their drinks go,” said Poleo. “It has been estimated over 11 million women have been raped while intoxicated with alcohol and drugs.”
Contact the National Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-656-HOPE if you are a victim of assault or know someone who has been.
