Our Young Voices correspondent Olivia Harris tackles the worrying subject of spiking in nightclubs

The prospect of turning 18 comes with many new opportunities, one of them being the broadening of accessible nightlife.

Often, the thought of finally being legally allowed into a club, makes us feel validated and important; a step into adult life.

However, with the recent horrific issues regarding spiking and the rise in cases, do we hear enough about the safety side?

Whether it’s letting your hair down after a long week, or having a bit of fun with that friend you never get to catch up with, clubbing seems to be a popular resort.

I personally, have always grown up admiring the idea. Recently though, due to these problems being widespread on the news, many have decided to take the backseat on nightlife to make their own safety a priority.

With a mix of alcohol and the buzz of social atmosphere, it seems inevitable, that our safety could be put at risk.

Instead of just glamourising the social aspects, we should be able to know what we are getting ourselves into, as we plan our first night out at a club.

Being aware of the signs of a spiked drink and being in control of your own drink is vital, especially at this current time. Social media seems to be taking the lead in making young people and those older, aware of these signs.

However sadly, we now also have to make it important that we have eyes all around us, due to the rise in various other ways of spiking.

If you’re about to turn 18, or are a few years off but desperately itching to get inside of that club, just remember that freedom comes with a lot of responsibility.

Your health and safety is worth a lot more than a glamourised night out.

However, issues like this should not take away that opportunity for fun on the weekend. We all need to let our hair down, and have the time of our life with friends.

Clubs are great to make social connections and to heighten your excitement. Just be prepared to be more aware of what’s going on around you!