Drug use can lead to paranoid and irrational thoughts, mood swings and increased irritability, among many other side effects. Although most people who use drugs do not become violent or aggressive, some may display unusual and unpredictable behavior. So stay away from such people as much as possible.
When a person is intoxicated, they may not be able to follow instructions as easily. But if people become aggressive, the risk of harming themselves and others is even greater. If this is happening to a young person in your care, it is important that you keep yourself safe and try to stop that young person from causing physical harm to themselves or others.
If someone becomes violent and aggressive, take the following steps immediately:
- Try to stay calm and speak to the person in a calm, clear, talk lovingly way and in a slow voice. Try to avoid emotional or hostile language, which may make the person more aggressive. Call out the person’s name and let them know you are there to help them.
- Adopt an ‘open’ body posture: hands open, palms up, head down, in a surrendering posture.
- Give the person time to think and respond. Speak as slowly as possible. Listen to them when they speak and show them that you understand, for example, “That would be really upsetting” or “If that happened to me, I would feel the same way.”
How should I respond after an aggressive incident?
- First, it’s important to choose a time when the person is not intoxicated and when that person is sober.
- Be firm in what you want to say and give the other person a chance to explain what happened to them, and what’s hurting them in his life.
- Focus the conversation on the person’s actions, not the person. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements, such as “What happened made me feel scared.”
- Set rules and boundaries about the person’s behavior and be clear about the consequences for breaking them.
Make security plans accordingly
If you’re concerned that a loved one may become violent or aggressive because of alcohol or other drug use, it’s important to have a safety plan for yourself. This will help you respond to emergency situations and get to a safe place as quickly as possible. Important aspects of a safety plan include:
- Identifying a location where you can make phone calls without anyone listening or interrupting you.
- Identifying a safe place where you and your loved ones can go if needed. This could be the home of a family member or friend, or even your office
- Keep important documents, identity cards, bank details/cards and your mobile phone in a place where you can easily retrieve them.
