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Hacks for Recognizing Behavioral Signs of Escalation

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Recognising early signs of agitation or distress can help prevent conflict and keep harm reduction spaces safer for everyone. While every situation is different, there are some common behavioural cues that may signal someone is beginning to escalate.

Behavioral signs of escalation include:

  • Heightened irritability.
  • Raised voice.
  • Increase in speech or rapid speech.
  • Sudden silence or social withdrawal.
  • Mood swings.
  • Difficulty concentrating or impaired memory.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Hacks for Empathetic Active Listening

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Once you have grounded yourself during an escalated situation, next engage in active listening with the person who is agitated. This can seem counterintuitive or difficult when you are dealing with somebody who is, for example, screaming at you, and it may feel like you’re rewarding them for being completely irrational. But it is key to getting them more centered and grounded so they’re less agitated and less likely to become a danger to themselves or others.
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Hacks for Non-Verbal Active Listening

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When someone is agitated or in distress, how we carry ourselves can make a huge difference. Non-verbal cues—like posture, breathing, and personal space—can either calm a situation or escalate it further. The following tips offer guidance on using body language to reduce tension, show respect, and create a safer, more grounded interaction.
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