Drug Addiction
Recovery
drug addiction

Do you know what a Tweaker is? Do you know how dangerous they can be?

The term Tweaker refers to a methamphetamine user. After a certain amount of the drug has been used over a number of hours or days, they can no longer get high from it. They have often been awake for days - sometimes as long as fifteen days with no sleep - and they become delusional. They are in a living hell of their own doing. They want to sleep but cannot. They want to feel a high from the drug but cannot. They want someone to help them but reject all offers of help. They become paranoid, suspicious, unreasonable and angry.

Tweakers are very dangerous. Never trust anyone who shows signs of being at this stage. They can travel from apathy to murderous rage in a split second.

These people are at the end of a methamphetamine binge. They may talk to themselves, shout and gesture. They may wander into traffic or into other unsafe situations. They may become deeply suspicious of any offers of help. Any sudden movement may be interpreted as a threat and they may attack you without warning. They may twitch and jerk or they may lapse into an apathetic state. Check out their eyes because they will be doing some twitching and jerking. They may appear rational one minute and the next be rambling in a world of their own.

Tweakers also fiddle with things in an endless pattern. They may take things apart - things which they have no hope of ever being able to put back together. They may pick endlessly at their skin. I have watched a woman pick at her face for a full hour and a half. They might mindlessly sort things - anything from papers, to rocks to car parts. Sometimes they think they have bugs under their skin and have even been known to take a blade and try and cut them out. They will often act on impulse and go shoplifting or purse snatching. They can display very irrational behavior.

The meth user in my household stole my contact lenses from my room and when I found them in her closet, she denied taking them and said that I must have put them there.

Never try and confront someone who is tweaking. They are far too dangerous and you cannot reason with them. If you know that the drug user in your family is on meth, be very careful. You may need to get away to a safe place. If you have children in the house you may need to remove them.

Any action you take may alarm someone who is at the stage of Tweaking. They will be suspicious of everything and everyone. If you have not already done so, make some type of escape plan for yourself and any children. If you must deal with someone who is at the Tweaking stage, there are some things to remember.

  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Do not raise your voice.
  • Do not make any sudden movements.
  • Keep your hands where they can be seen.
  • Do not pick up anything that may be considered a weapon.
  • Do not use any bright lights.
  • Stay calm but watchful.
  • If you feel unsafe then you probably are.
  • Do not hesitate to call the police. Let them know that the person may be high on meth. They are used to dealing with these people
    • .

In my opinion, Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous of all drugs. It is fairly cheap, easy to find, easy to make, can be used in a number of ways, and it makes life hell for the people who are around a user.



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Copyright Vivienne Edwards/Angels on Wheels LLC; 2008 - 2009
This page updated 2009