How to tell if your drink was spiked or if you’re just drunk

Losing control can be scary. But there's a difference between choosing to lose control and having control taken from you. And there's nothing scarier than not knowing if your drink was spiked or you're drunk.

Sometimes, the difference between a spiked drink and being drunk isn't so obvious. Sometimes, it's hard to tell if your drink was spiked or if you were just drunk. Spiking or getting roofied can happen at bars, clubs, or parties. Sometimes, it can happen when you least expect it.

GHB and Rohypnol are the two most common drugs used for spiking drinks. These days, Rohypnol, which is illegal in the US, has a blue liquid center that will color and cloud drinks when slipped in which makes it easier to detect if your drink has been spiked. GHB, on the other hand, is normally clear with only a slight salty taste which makes it almost undetectable in beverages.

If your drink was spiked, you'd experience some of the the following symptoms:

– Sedation

– Dizziness

– Amnesia

– Nausea / vomiting

– Unconsciousness

– Problems breathing

– Sweating

– Confusion

– Loss of control

– The feeling of being drunk without actually being drunk

If you feel as though there's no way you could possibly be drunk and as if your drink was spiked, it's best to seek medical help as soon as possible.

On the other hand, sometimes we go a little too hard. Sometimes we push ourselves beyond an acceptable limit and we have symptoms that might make us think our drink was spiked when in reality, we were just too drunk.

We all go beyond our limits sometimes but it's important to recognize what symptoms are normal for being drunk and which symptoms aren't.

Typically, if you're drunk you can experience some or all of the following:

– Confusion

– Amnesia

– Blackout

– Dehydration

– Flushing

– Nausea / Vomiting

– Aggression or lack of restraint

– Slurred speech

– Lack of coordination

– Euphoria

– Depression

Be wary of drinking beyond your limits. Drinking too much can sometimes lead to alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning is an emergency and someone doesn't need to have all of the symptoms to be at risk. If you or someone you're with seems to be at risk of alcohol poisoning, it's best to seek help right away.

Those suffering from alcohol poisoning might get seizures, have blue-tinged skin, low body temperature, be unconscious or consistently pass out, slow breathing, confusion, and vomiting.

It's not hard to go one drink too far. It's more important to be safe than to worry that by seeking help you might somehow get into trouble.

Whether you're worried your drink is spiked, you're drunk, or you have alcohol poisoning it's important to ask for help when you need it or when you suspect something is wrong.

We're all entitled to a little fun but it's important to make sure we're safe and healthy at the same time.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

● What happens to you when your drink gets spiked: a doctor breaks down what to do

● Quitting alcohol could make you more depressed than ever before

● Can you consent while drunk? Take babe's alcohol and consent survey

@jenniferficarra