In a study by U.K. researchers, not one of 75 women who thought their drinks were spiked with date-rape drugs like GHB, ketamine or Rohypnol tested positive for the drugs, the Evening Standard reported Feb. 17.

The yearlong study from doctors at Wrexham Maelor Hospital concluded that the women who though they had been incapacitated by drugs being added to their drinks more likely were just victims of their own binge drinking. Two-thirds of the study group had been drinking heavily, while one in five also tested positive for other recreational drugs like cocaine even though all denied taking other drugs.

"There has been a lot of media coverage in recent years, mainly focusing on just a few substances including Rohypnol and GHB, which has led to the perception that drink spiking is a widespread practice. But most patients allegedly having a spiked drink tested negative for drugs misuse," said researcher Hywel Hughes. "Claiming their drink has been spiked may be used as an excuse by patients who have become incapacitated after the voluntary consumption of excess alcohol."

The research appears in the Emergency Medicine Journal.