What to do in a crystal meth or methedrone emergency
Crystal meth or mephedrone might result in hyperactivity, panic attacks, or behaviour from a person who feels invincible. They may take greater risks, which might lead to harm.
Tips if you think someone has taken too much crystal meth or mephedrone
DO
Keep them safe and calm – moving them away from spaces and objects that might cause harm.
Be mindful around consent – when someone is too high, they lose the ability to consent. You should stop any sexual activity, filming or taking pictures.
Call Emergency Services – if they are having a seizure or they are behaving in a way that is unsafe call 999. When emergency services arrive, tell them what drugs have been taken, how much and when. If in doubt it is best to call 999.
DON’T
Give them any more drugs – some people falsely believe that a relaxant (G, Valium, Xanax) can help someone who is too high. Avoid doing this.
Psychosis
Psychosis is when people lose contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things (hallucinations) and believing things that are not actually true (delusions). ‘Drug-induced psychosis’ is commonly experienced by people who have taken crystal meth.
It can be frightening for those experiencing or witnessing it. Common symptoms include:
- You’re feeling self-conscious, judged or unwelcome.
- You’re doubting what a person really means.
- People are listening under your door or outside.
- You're being bugged, or that there are hidden cameras.
- You’re having obsessive thoughts.
- Someone has deliberately exposed you to HIV or another STI.
- You’re hearing whispers, cruel voices, or are being followed.
- You’re seeing shadowy figures.
- There are insects under your skin or a compulsive need to scratch the skin.
- You’re aware of incredible coincidences that no one else can see or interpret.
- Something urgent or dangerous is at play and you’re feeling unsafe.
Here are some DOs and DON’Ts if you think someone else is experiencing any of the above symptoms.
DO
Keep them safe and calm – it may be helpful to reduce the lighting, turn off or play calmer music, turn off pornography that might be playing, or move them to a room they feel safer in. Present them with these options. Choice is important because feeling trapped or without options can make things worse.
Be gentle - speak slowly and simply, use the person’s name, ask them what you can do to help. Ask about things you know they enjoy.
Encourage them to consider medical help – if someone is extremely distressed, they may be a danger to themselves and others. Gently encourage them to reach out for help. They are likely to be mistrusting of getting outside help. You can reassure them that they will not face any negative consequences for getting emergency help.
Intervene – if you think someone is a danger to themselves or others and is refusing to contact emergency services, consider contacting them yourself.
DON’T
Tell them they are psychotic – or dismiss their concerns because what is happening is very real for them.
Get angry or argue with them - trying to rationalise them out of their behaviour is not likely to work.
Take things personally – in the moment they may be questioning everything, even the relationship they have with you.
Do things without their agreement – trying to take over or make decisions without their consent may make them even more anxious (unless they are a danger to themselves or others).
Touch the person – even in a comforting way, without their permission.
Use technology – turning off phones and laptops can help as they can trigger feelings of paranoia.