Research & Evidence

Understanding the scale and impact of spiking in Ireland is challenging due to limited data and research.

This page brings together available Irish and international studies to provide context, highlight gaps, and support informed discussion.

Research in Ireland

There is currently very limited research specifically focused on spiking in Ireland.


Available data is often:

  1. Small in scale

  2. Based on surveys or individual studies

  3. Not collected through a centralised national system

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This lack of comprehensive research makes it difficult to:

  1. Measure prevalence

  2. Understand patterns and risk factors

  3. Develop informed policy and response systems

What We Do Know

Some insights into spiking in Ireland come from smaller studies and surveys.

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Safe Gigs Ireland Survey (2022)

Data collected through community-based surveys highlights concerns around the prevalence of spiking and the need for greater awareness and response.

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Irish Pharmacist Survey

Findings point to an urgent need to address drink spiking, with healthcare professionals recognising gaps in awareness and response systems.

These sources provide valuable insight - but they also reinforce the need for more structured national research.

Global Research & Findings

International studies provide broader insight into spiking, its prevalence, and motivations.

Research indicates:

  1. Spiking occurs across a range of social settings

  2. Substances used can vary and are often difficult to detect

  3. Incidents may be under-reported globally

  4. Motivations can include harm, theft, or sexual assault

While these findings are valuable, they may not fully reflect the Irish context.

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Key Studies

  • Icon of two pieces of paper with a magnifying glass and a pencil on top.

    McBrierty et al. (2013)

    Review of drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ireland

    Read Here
  • Icon of two pieces of paper with a magnifying glass and a pencil on top.

    Burrell et al. (2023)

    Spiking: Prevalence and Motivation

    Read Here
  • Icon of two pieces of paper with a magnifying glass and a pencil on top.

    Bendau et al. (2025)

    Perception and fear of spiking

    Read Here
  • Icon of two pieces of paper with a magnifying glass and a pencil on top.

    Davies et al. (2025)

    Global survey across 22 countries

    Read Here

Where the Gaps Remain

Significant gaps exist in understanding spiking in Ireland:

  • No comprehensive national data collection

  • No consistent reporting framework

  • Limited academic research focused specifically on Ireland

  • Lack of longitudinal studies

  • Minimal integration between healthcare, law enforcement, and research data

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These gaps make it difficult to fully understand the scale of the issue and to develop effective responses.

Why Research Matters

Stronger research is essential to:

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Accurately measure prevalence

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Inform legislation and policy

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Improve healthcare and reporting systems

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Challenge myths and misinformation

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Support evidence-based public awareness

Without reliable data, the issue risks being underestimated or misunderstood.

Sources

Irish Sources

  1. Safe Gigs Ireland Survey (2022)

  2. Irish Pharmacist article

  3. McBrierty et al. (2013)

International Research

  1. Burrell et al. (2023)

  2. Bendau et al. (2025)

  3. Davies et al. (2025)

  4. UK pilot testing project (Norfolk/Norwich)

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