CRIME - VIOLENCE

Study Blames Alcohol, Other Drug Users for Crimes
 A new study concludes that people who misuse alcohol and other drugs are responsible for about 25 percent of all violent crimes, Reuters reported
May 21,2004.

Hospital emergency rooms in North Dakota are reporting an increase in violence.
by people who have been using drugs, particularly methamphetamine, the Associated Press reported June 21.

 

People that have gone beyond casual use of this drug, have developed a tolerance and as they use more and more meth to maintain their high - (sometimes staying awake for up to two weeks) they often become agitated, paranoid and stressed.  It is during these times that violence occurs.  If you encounter someone that you think may be dangerous, remember these Safety Tips.

People who abuse meth regularly are known as tweakers. If you notice someone is tweaking, be careful how you handle the situation.

Here are six tips for approaching a tweaker:

1. Keep your distance. Coming too close can be perceived as threatening.

2. No bright lights. The tweaker is already paranoid and, if blinded by a bright light, he or she is likely to run or become violent.

3. Slow your speech and lower your voice. The tweaker already hears sound at a fast pace and in a high pitch.

4. Slow your movements. This will decrease the odds that the tweaker will misinterpret your physical actions.

5. Keep your hands visible. If you place your hands where the tweaker cannot see them, he may feel threatened and could become violent.

6. Keep the tweaker talking. A tweaker who falls silent can be extremely dangerous. Silence often means that his paranoid thoughts have taken over reality, and anyone present can become part of the tweaker's paranoid delusions.