A frightening scene unfolded outside Kroger just after 9 a.m. when a distressed man called 911 in full panic mode, begging for help. His reason? He believed he had “something all over him” — and what he described next stunned first responders.
When police and EMS arrived, they found the man in clear mental distress, convinced that snakes were crawling out of his body. Medics quickly assessed the situation and suspected the terrifying hallucinations were triggered by a multi-day meth binge.
Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. One of the more dangerous side effects of prolonged meth use is psychosis, which can include hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions — like the man’s vivid belief that snakes were emerging from his skin. These symptoms can cause dangerous behavior and severe mental health crises.
Fortunately, the man agreed to go willingly with EMS for medical care and a mental health evaluation at the hospital — a rare but hopeful moment in a crisis that could’ve spiraled out of control.
💡 What To Do If You See Someone in Crisis
Seeing someone experience a drug or mental health crisis can be scary — but your quick action could save a life. Here’s what to do:
- Don’t approach them directly if they seem agitated or unpredictable. Keep a safe distance.
- Call 911 and clearly explain what you’re witnessing — include whether the person is talking to themselves, hallucinating, or acting erratically.
- Stay nearby (if safe) to give first responders updated info when they arrive.
- Don’t judge — just report. The person may not even know they’re in danger.
- Ask your local officials about mental health crisis response teams. Some cities now deploy specialists alongside police for these calls.
⚠️ The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights a growing trend in Portsmouth and across the country: meth-induced psychosis and drug-related mental health emergencies are happening more often, and in more public places. Grocery stores, parks, sidewalks — nowhere is off-limits.
And while this call ended peacefully, the community can’t rely on luck forever. What’s needed is a stronger safety net — including addiction treatment, housing, and faster access to mental health care.
Because sometimes, when someone’s screaming about snakes, what they really need… is a lifeline.
