Your drink.
Your safety.
Your right.
Saint Louis University is committed to giving every Billiken the resources and knowledge they need to stay safe. Free drink safety screening tools are available across campus. No cost. No questions asked.
Title IX and Conduct Report
Scan QR code to file a report to SLU's EOTIX Title IX and Student Conduct teams combined reporting form.
File a ReportDrink spiking can happen anywhere, to anyone.
Drink spiking occurs when someone adds alcohol or other drugs to another person's drink without their knowledge. It can happen in bars, parties, concerts or at the house of someone you know. The substances most commonly used in drink tampering are colorless, odorless and tasteless, which makes them nearly impossible to detect. Awareness and access to the right tools can help you protect yourself and others.
22%
Of college students surveyed at one U.S. university reported being a victim of drink spiking while enrolled. Most incidents go unreported.
GHB and K
GHB and Ketamine are the two most common substances used to tamper with drinks. Both are colorless, odorless and tasteless, but are detectable with the drink safety screening tool.
1st in STL Region
When it comes to student well-being, we believe in leading, not reacting. SLU is the first institution in the Greater St. Louis region, spanning both our Missouri and Illinois campus communities, to introduce a coordinated, drink safety screening initiative. By implementing this program, we are ensuring that we remain a blueprint for proactive campus safety.
Spiking does not always look like a stranger.
Drink spiking is not just a bar problem. It can happen at a party with people you know in a trusted space. That is why we're empowering every Billiken to look out for themselves and each other.
Know the facts. Know what to do.
Safe Sips, Safer Campus is built on education. Here are the things every Billiken should know.
What is "Drink Spiking"?
Drink spiking is when someone adds alcohol or a drug to another person's drink without their knowledge or consent. Any drink can be spiked: alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Common Substances Used
- GHB: colorless, odorless
- Ketamine: colorless liquid
- Rohypnol : dissolves quickly
- Additional alcohol added without consent
Signs and Symptoms
Begin within 15 to 30 minutes:
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Sudden nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Feeling unusually drunk
- Difficulty walking or speaking
How to Protect Yourself
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Do not accept drinks from strangers
- Use a drink safety screening tool
- Go out with a trusted friend
- Trust your instincts
It Is Never Your Fault
If your drink was tampered with, responsibility belongs entirely to the person who did it. Nothing about what you wore, where you were or what you drank changes that.
How to Support a Friend
- Stay with them. Do not leave them alone
- Call DPS or 911 if in danger
- Do not let them leave with someone unfamiliar
- Get medical help if needed
- Believe them
What to Do If It Happens to You
- Stop drinking immediately
- Tell a trusted person nearby
- On campus: Call SLU DPS at 314-977-3000
- Off campus: Call 911 for immediate help
- Get medical attention if symptomatic
- You do not need to involve police to access support
About the Screening Tool
Detects GHB and Ketamine only. Does not detect all substances. A negative result does not confirm a drink is safe. Always trust how you feel over the test result.
Where to Pick Up Your Drink Safety Screening Tool
Free for all SLU students. Pick one up at any location below. No cost or sign-in required.
Residence Hall Front Desks
All on-campus residence hall front desks during regular desk hours.
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DPS Headquarters
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Campus Safety Events
Distributed at DPS-hosted outreach and prevention events throughout the year.
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Billiken Student Center (BSC)
Available through the BSC during posted hours.
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Center for Global Citizenship (CGC)
Available at the CGC front desk.
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Dean of Students Office
Available for any student who visits.
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Title IX Office (EOTIX)
Available for students seeking support or resources.
View on Google Maps
Partners in Prevention
Available at all PiP programming events and tabling activities across campus.
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Request for Your Event
Need coasters for your org or event?
Email: joseph.hooper@slu.edu
How to Use Your Drink Safety Screening Tool
Please be aware: This tool is designed to detect GHB and Ketamine only. It does not test for Rohypnol, fentanyl, benzodiazepines or other substances. Results may be affected by the acidity or color of your drink. A negative result does not confirm your drink is safe. Always trust how you feel over the result.
Want to learn more? Visit Drink Safe Technologies for full product details and testing methodology.
Step 1
Place a few drops on each test spot
- Use the two circular test areas.
- Gently rub the liquid in with your finger or a stir straw.
Step 2
Wait and watch in good light
- Allow the spots to dry for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Check the color under a light source.
Step 4
Read the result
- Dark blue indicates a positive.
- A pinkish tint indicates Ketamine.
- A greenish tint indicates GHB.
- A negative result does not guarantee safety.
Step 4
Trust how you feel
- If something feels wrong, regardless of the result, stop drinking.
- Stay with someone you trust.
- Call DPS at 314-977-3000.
On-Campus and Community Resources
Every resource listed here is available to SLU students. You do not have to be certain something happened to reach out. Please note: the listed resources do not provide drug testing. They are listed as support and advocacy services.
Immediate and 24/7
SLU Department of Public Safety
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
314-977-3000
SSM Health SLU Hospital Emergency Room
1201 S. Grand Blvd. — SANE nurses on staff
314-257-8000
UCC On-Call Counselor (After Hours)
Call and press 9 after hours
314-977-8255 (TALK)
Student Health Center 24-Hour Nurse Line
Call and press 9 after hours
314-977-2323
Safe Connections Crisis Hotline
24/7 — sexual violence and domestic abuse advocacy
314-531-2003
YWCA Metro St. Louis Rape Crisis Hotline
24/7 — advocates can meet you at the hospital
314-531-7273
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
24/7 by phone and live chat
1-800-656-4673
On-Campus Support
EOTIX — Title IX and Equal Opportunity
Sexual misconduct reporting and student advocacy
anna.kratky@slu.edu
University Counseling Center
Wuller Hall, 2nd Floor — free counseling for SLU students
314-977-8255
TimelyCare
24/7 virtual mental health counseling at no cost
timelycare.com/slu
Student Health Center
Marchetti Towers East, 1st Floor — 3518 Laclede Ave.
314-977-2323
Dean of Students Office
Student concern forms and case management support
slu.edu/dean-of-students
Love is Respect
Relationship violence support — text "campus" to 22522
1-866-331-9474
If You Think You Were Spiked
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. You do not have to navigate the next steps alone. Start by reaching out for immediate assistance, connecting with the appropriate support resources, and getting medical care if needed.
Step 1
Call for Help
If you are on campus, call SLU's Department of Public Safety at 314-977-3000. If you are off campus, call 911 and request immediate assistance. Help is always the right first call.
On campus: 314-977-3000
Step 2
Connect to Resources
DPS will connect you with the right support including Title IX, counseling, Student Conduct or community advocates. You do not have to navigate this alone or know which office to call first.
Step 3
Get Medical Attention
If you feel dizzy, confused, nauseous or anything feels wrong, get medical attention. SSM Health SLU Hospital has dedicated Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners on staff 24/7.
SSM-SLU Hospital ER: 314-257-8000
If Drinking Is a Concern
Safe Sips, Safer Campus aims to promote safety, not judgement. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance use, SLU's University Counseling Center offers confidential support, substance use counseling and the Collegiate Recovery Community.
Drink Responsibly
These tools are one layer of protection. Staying safe also means knowing your limits, looking out for friends and making smart choices.
Saint Louis University policy prohibits the possession and consumption of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21. This program neither encourages nor condones underage drinking.
Sources and References
The following peer-reviewed, institutional and industry sources inform the educational content, statistics and program design of Safe Sips, Safer Campus. All sources have been independently verified.
- Swan, S.C., Lasky, N.V., Fisher, B.S., Woodbrown, V.D., Bonsu, J.E., Schramm, A.T., Warren, P.R., Coker, A.L., & Williams, C.M. (2017). Just a dare or unaware? Outcomes and motives of drugging ("drink spiking") among students at three college campuses. Psychology of Violence, 7, 253--264. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000060 Source for drink spiking prevalence across three U.S. university campuses. Survey of 6,064 students; 7.8% reported being drugged without their knowledge or consent.
- Forsberg, C.G. (2023). Girls just want to be safe: An analysis of drugged drinking and prevention amongst students at the University of South Carolina. Senior Theses, 640. University of South Carolina Scholar Commons. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/senior_theses/640 Source for the 22% single-campus prevalence statistic and the finding that 66% of students would use prevention devices if provided by the university.
- Blendermann, J.T. (2023). Binge drinking and non-consensual drug intoxication. Honors Undergraduate Theses, 1331. University of Central Florida, STARS. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/1331 Source for identification of GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol as the primary substances associated with drink spiking and drug-facilitated non-consensual intoxication on college campuses.
- Bendau, A., Eckert, L., Plag, J., Petzold, M.B., Kunas, S., & Strohle, A. (2025). Spiking versus speculation: Perceived prevalence, probability, and fear of drink and needle spiking. Journal of Drug Issues, 55(1), 89--103. Journal of Drug Issues, Vol. 55(1) Peer-reviewed analysis of spiking prevalence, underreporting barriers, and fear among college-age populations.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. (2023). Date rape drugs. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/date-rape-drugs Federal source for identification of GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol as substances used in drug-facilitated assault; symptom onset and duration information.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). (2024). Drug-facilitated sexual assault. https://www.rainn.org/articles/drug-facilitated-sexual-assault Source for survivor support guidance and reporting resources. RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.
- Drink Safe Technologies. (2025). How it works: Drink test coaster. https://www.drinksafe.com/how-it-works/ Source for Drink Safety Screening Tool usage instructions, detection methodology, and product limitations including detection of GHB and Ketamine.
- Statistics cited on this page reflect published research and may not represent the full scope of drink spiking incidents, which are significantly underreported. For questions about sources or program content, contact joseph.hooper@slu.edu.