Nightlife safety and drink spiking

Hand of a woman covering a cocktail glass on a bar

A study on how the perception of risk and drink spiking are shaping the way we go out and experience the night.

A study by the UPTAK Foundation carried out by 40dB.

Download the study

Data controller: Fundación UPTAK Foundation. Purpose: to provide you with the study you requested and, if you tick the box, to send you information about the Foundation's work. Legal basis: your consent. Recipients: your data is not shared with third parties, except where required by law. Rights: you can access, correct and delete your data, and withdraw your consent, by writing to hello@uptakfoundation.org. More information in the Privacy Policy.

UPTAK Foundation

Group of young people chatting and dancing at an outdoor night party

The UPTAK Foundation drives research, education and prevention against drink spiking and other forms of drug-facilitated assault. This study is part of that commitment: generating knowledge to better understand the problem and contribute to a safer way of experiencing the night.

The study in figures

  • 57.4%

    believe going out at night is now somewhat or much less safe than five years ago.

  • TOP 2

    Drink spiking is the second biggest fear when going out at night.

  • 69.8%

    have had contact with the phenomenon, directly or indirectly.

  • 46.1%

    suspect or confirm that their drink has been spiked at some point.

  • 79.6%

    consider that the risk and the need to protect themselves make their nights out worse.

  • 14.7%

    reported it, among those who suspected or confirmed an incident.

Young couple smiling at an evening party; she covers her glass with her hand

The way we go out at night has changed. We have normalised self-protection: Never losing sight of our drink. Not accepting one from strangers. Covering it with our hand.

75.6%*

of women say they are quite or very concerned about someone adding a drug to their drink.

* Source: Nightlife safety and drink spiking, UPTAK Foundation × 40dB, 2026. 1,500 interviews in Spain; measures perceptions and statements.

Nightlife safety and drink spiking

Access the full study by the UPTAK Foundation carried out by 40dB.

Data controller: Fundación UPTAK Foundation. Purpose: to provide you with the study you requested and, if you tick the box, to send you information about the Foundation's work. Legal basis: your consent. Recipients: your data is not shared with third parties, except where required by law. Rights: you can access, correct and delete your data, and withdraw your consent, by writing to hello@uptakfoundation.org. More information in the Privacy Policy.

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