The first interim results of a cross-border study on knockout drops in German-speaking countries paint a worrying picture for Germany: More than 500 people stated that they had already become victims of the clandestine administration of such substances. The study, which was launched at the end of 2024, is based on an anonymous online survey and is aimed at people aged 14 and over in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. So far, there have been over 2000 responses, but the current evaluation is limited to 1288 usable data sets from Germany. The researchers emphasize that this is an ongoing analysis that does not claim to be representative, but is primarily intended to record existing cases and shed light on institutional hurdles.

The study, entitled “Don’t knock me out”, is led by the junior professor of European management at Chemnitz University of Technology, in cooperation with the psychological director of the Competence Centre for Protection against Violence at the Tirol Kliniken in Innsbruck. For Austria and Switzerland, there is currently a lack of sufficient data for an interim assessment, which is why the scientists hope for further participation. In the German data, 527 people report at least one incident in which they were involuntarily administered knockout drops – a practice known as drink spiking. Of these, 110 participants were unsure of their suspicions. In addition, 302 respondents expressed the suspicion that someone in their company had been affected. Another 808 people know at least one person in their environment who suspected such an incident.

Despite these figures, official steps are rarely taken. Only 42 patients had urine, blood or hair samples examined, and in 18 cases the suspicion was confirmed by forensic medicine. Only 48 people reported the incident to the police, which indicates a high number of unreported cases. The evaluation indicates that the fear of knockout drops is particularly pronounced among those who have had experience with it themselves or have witnessed accompanying persons. The study aims to better understand the problem in order to develop effective education and prevention measures. A complete analysis of the more than 60 questions in the survey is planned for summer 2026 at the latest.

The researchers regret the lack of state funding or political support. The study is currently financed by a private donation of 5000 euros and funds from Chemnitz University of Technology. In January and February 2026, a campaign with free postcards is to be launched in Germany’s ten largest cities to further disseminate the survey. This campaign covers almost 300 locations and is supported on a voluntary basis by an international marketing agency and a women’s network. The agency is responsible for the design of the cards and a social media campaign to increase the reach. The scientists hope that these measures will shed further light on the number of unreported cases and show that the problem is not a marginal phenomenon.

The interim results underline the need to raise awareness of drink spiking. Many of those affected are apparently reluctant to report the incident, which indicates barriers in dealing with such cases. In the future, the study could serve as a basis for targeted interventions, for example in educating young people or improving medical and legal processes. Until the final analysis, the researchers call for broader participation to get a more comprehensive picture. The survey will remain accessible online and anonymous in order to include as many experiences as possible.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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