The only symptoms I know I had immediately after ingesting the drug were 1. complete blackout and 2. vomiting Based on the state of my apartment, I could tell there was disorientation but because of the blackout I have no idea what happened.
I woke up incredibly confused in the morning because I have never totally blacked out in my life, even on my craziest nights. Apparently this is very common. If you’ve never blacked out before but suddenly lose hours of memory after a couple of drinks, that’s a HUGE red flag.
The next morning was like no hangover I’ve ever experienced. Even similar symptoms were so much worse: - horrible brain fog - difficulty articulating my thoughts - massive headache - extreme sensitivity to light - throat pain (from the vomiting) - muscle weakness - nausea
I didn’t feel normalish until Sunday night. I slept over 12 hours that night and then called my doctor who said my symptoms aligned with a drug rather than simply being drunk.
I’m 23. I still bartend part-time. I know my alcohol tolerance. I know how to be safe with my drinks. And yet this still happened and I still feel like it’s my fault for not being careful.
I have no idea who did it. I was getting a single drink alone after my bar shift at my local bar. And next thing I knew, I was awake in my bed, on my side, with vomit down the front of my shirt.
I feel over-dramatic and embarrassed by sharing this, like I’m crying out for attention. But I really wish I had known at least the signs and symptoms beforehand rather than going through two days of realizations and checking myself.
I’m fine. I’m good. I was lucky someone saw something wrong and insisted on walking me home.
I just want people (especially women) to know that date rape drugs are not some rarity that only come out at frat parties. Someone can spike your drink even if you’re careful. And if something seems wrong the next morning, don’t second guess yourself.
That typo in the first tweet is going to haunt me.
Overwhelmed by all of the kindness and support people have sent and heartbroken at how many of you have had to experience this as well. Sending love ♥️
@abughazalehkat Only thing I would add is to call 911 and have ambulance come get you & run toxicology if anything feels off. This will also ensure you will be protected if you pass out and ambulance response time to most businesses is pretty quick. Thank you for sharing all of this 🙏
@abughazalehkat We mustn’t normalise this by saying things like, ‘It happens all the time.’ It is very dangerous and is equivalent to an assault. The person doing this has no idea how much you’ve had to drink a d what other drugs/medication are in your system. Report it.
@abughazalehkat Also it’s important to know that the most common date rape drug is alcohol(slipping stronger drinks into yours) so it’s best you have a sober friend watch out for you
@abughazalehkat I'm so sorry this happened to you. How horrible. Glad to hear you're ok. Our pubs in my town have these posters up to raise awareness of what to look for which people may find useful.
@abughazalehkat Any substance going from out to inside of stomach there is danger. Every one must know which is more dangerous than other. I always think ALCOHOL is the most dangerous thing. What has happened is happened. Past is past. Learn from it. Move on. You will be alright 👍 🙏
@abughazalehkat Here, it is the bartenders that got caught spiking the drinks. You think it only happens when you put your drink down or someone hands you a drink. You never suspect the bartender to be in on it.
@abughazalehkat I am so sorry this happened to you. My grandmother and mother taught me to be overly paranoid when it comes to anything that I ingest. “Don’t put it down and come back for it, it’s garbage now.” This sucks, and is scary that this happened and I’m glad you’re ok.
@abughazalehkat This happened to me when i was 21. No memory and woke up in my bathroom covered in cuts and bruises on my palms and legs from stumbling home i assume. I felt sick for DAYS after. Im so glad you made it home safe. Thats such a frightening experience, i hope ur being kind to urself
@abughazalehkat I’ve had my drink spiked twice, once I was paralysed yet fully aware and another I blacked out. I’m grateful I was not physically harmed. I was always careful and didn’t leave my drink so concluded it happened at the busy bar. Never understand why people do it, it’s sick!