HOW LIKELY AM I TO GET SPIKED?

​​Drink spiking remains a significant concern in Australia, with incidents reaching record levels in New South Wales (NSW) recently. Between July 2022 and June 2023, there were 220 reported cases in NSW, marking the highest annual figure since tracking began in 2008. About 71% of incidents occurred in pubs or clubs, predominantly in major urban areas like Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong. However, police note that the rise in reports may partly result from increased awareness campaigns encouraging victims to come forward.

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Underreporting of drink spiking is a significant issue in Australia, with experts acknowledging that actual cases are likely far higher than reported incidents. Victims often refrain from reporting due to factors like uncertainty about what happened, fear of not being believed, or difficulty recalling events clearly. Research suggests that stigma, self-blame, and low prosecution rates further discourage victims from coming forward. For example, in NSW, despite record numbers of reports in recent years, less than 2% of cases proceed to criminal charges, reflecting challenges in gathering sufficient evidence for prosecution.​

HAS THE CYD TEST BEEN THROUGH THOROUGH EFFICACY TESTING?

Yes, with an independent lab and two universities.

CYD was tested against a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

See more on the About Us page.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WAIT FOR THE TEST PATCHES TO CHANGE COLOUR?

After putting a drop of your drink on to each of the test patches of a single strip, then if your drink is spiked you will see a colour change (pink to blue, yellow to orange) in 10-30 seconds.

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WILL I GET ANY FALSE POSITIVES WHEN TESTING?

Red wine and dark coloured cocktails with blackcurrant can stain the test patches leading to a false reaction.

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WHEN SHOULD I USE THE CYD TEST?

If you have left your drink unattended, if you are feeling unwell after a few drinks, if a stranger you are unsure about buys you a drink, or if a friend is acting strange.

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WHAT DO I DO IF I GET A POSITIVE REACTION FROM THE CYD TEST?

First things first, stay calm and DO NOT DRINK!

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• Tell someone you completely trust, such as a friend, a staff member, security staff, a medical professional or the police.

• If you’re not with anyone, call someone you trust and get to a safe place. Ask to use a phone if yours has been stolen.

• Be wary of accepting help from a stranger and don’t leave with someone you don’t know.

• If you need urgent help, call 000. Otherwise, someone you trust should take you to your nearest emergency department. Tell the medical staff that you think your drink has been spiked.

• Arrange for a trusted friend or relative to take you home and stay with you until the drugs have fully left your system.

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HOW LONG CAN I CARRY THE CYD TEST UNTIL IT NO LONGER WORKS

The CYD test strips are useable for 5 years after purchase. The expiry date appears on the back of the pouches and matchbooks.

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DO YOU SHIP TO MY COUNTRY?

Safer Sips currently only ships to Australia and New Zealand. If you are in another country please contact us to be directed to a distributor in your country.​