Before heading out to a party or a bar, Chico State students can pick up a harm reduction tool that fits in their back pocket – a drink testing strip to increase safety and prevent spiking incidents. 

The WellCat Prevention Center has provided free drug test strips to students as part of its harm-reduction efforts for the Chico State community since 1988. 

Drink test strips are discreet harm reduction tools designed to detect common spiking substances such as Ketamine, cocaine, and GHB. 

 “Just pull them out and stick them in your drink,” said WellCat Prevention intern Isabella Requiro. “If it’s safe, it’s going to be yellow or pink. If it’s unsafe, it’s going to turn blue, gray, or orange.”

The strips can detect 99.9% of the most commonly used date rape drugs. 

The substances they test for are. If a test comes back positive, WellCat Prevention recommends taking a picture of the drink and test strip, then informing the bartender. Contacting University Police or Chico Police is also recommended because they have greater access to stronger testing methods. 

High-acidity drinks, such as wine, can directly affect test results due to their pH levels. However, Requiro said that students should take all positive test results seriously.

Despite testing strips’ accessibility, some students are anxious to use them out of fear they would offend the bartender or their date, Requira said. She urges students that safety should always be their top priority over any discomfort that could come with testing.

“If someone starts acting really weird, something changes, or their drink looks off, it is always good to pull out the strip and test it,” Requiro said.

Signs to look for in drink spiking can include excess fizz, color changes or visible residue powder. Students who suddenly feel more intoxicated, disorientated and nauseous should immediately stop drinking and seek help.

“Drink test strips are a great harm reduction tool in keeping students safe,” Requiro said. “We know students are going to be out drinking and partying, since that’s what happens in college.” 

Students can pick up free drink strips at the WellCat Health Center Pharmacy and Chico State’s affinity centers: Cross-Culture Leadership Center, El Centro, Black Student Union, and the Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition. As well as the WellCat Prevention Office, which is located directly next to The Hub.

Lucy Bakowski can be reached at [email protected]