If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone around you is intoxicated, taking proper action can keep them safe and even save their life. Drinking too much, especially if it is a common occurrence, can cause numerous mental and physical health consequences that can leave a person in bad shape. Looking out for those around you can help protect them and yourself.
Knowing how to spot someone that is intoxicated is the first step in understanding if they need help. Recognizing the signs of intoxication can help you get someone the support they need before things take a turn for the worse.
Common signs of intoxication include:
If you notice someone exhibiting any of these warning signs, it could be time to step in and help them.
Knowing how to appropriately intervene when someone has had too much to drink can make all the difference in keeping them safe. You don’t want to come across as too aggressive, as this can cause more trouble and perhaps put the person in even more danger. Consider these tips when helping someone that is intoxicated:
It is essential not to leave a person alone that has had too much to drink, as they could hurt themselves or be hurt by someone else. Staying by their side can ensure they are safe and not drinking more. If you cannot abide by their side, make sure someone else who is sober can stay with them.
Stopping alcohol consumption and giving someone food and water is the next step in ensuring they are okay. Do not let them drink any more alcohol, which will exacerbate the situation. If you want to come off as less aggressive, consider taking the person to get something to eat. This way, they can discontinue drinking without making it seem like you are telling them what to do or trying to control their actions; this will likely get a better reaction and help them sober up more quickly.
It is common for those that have had too much to drink to want to lie down. If this occurs, have the person lay on their side with a pillow to support their back, also known as the recovery position. This position will help prevent them from rolling onto their back or stomach, which can cause them to choke if they vomit. The recovery position will keep them safe as they begin to sober up.
If someone is severely intoxicated, it is crucial to ensure they do not slip into unconsciousness. If the person starts sleeping, monitor their breathing, and wake them often to ensure they are still okay. Remember that blood alcohol content (BAC) can rise during sleep and put the person at more risk.
Ensuring an intoxicated individual gets home safe will protect them and allow them to sober up in a protected environment. If you cannot get them to their home, then have them stay the night at your place. This way, they can sober up and go home in the morning rather than risk the journey home while intoxicated on their own.
It is important to remember that you cannot discuss a person’s drinking with them while intoxicated - you won’t get anywhere. An intoxicated individual is not in the right frame of mind to receive this type of information. The person may even get angry and take it out on you or storm off and place themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. Talk to them at a later time to express your concerns.
Ensure you emphasize that you are coming from a place of concern. Let them know that you care about them and want to make sure they are okay. Ask them if they have something going on in their personal lives that they may need help with.
If necessary, you can stage an intervention to encourage the person to seek help for drinking. Make sure you do your research to ensure the intervention is done correctly so your friend can get the help they need.
At some point in your life, you may come across someone that has had too much to drink. Knowing how to recognize the signs of intoxication and adequately handle the situation can keep the person safe and help them sober up. After the person has sobered up and both of you feel better, you can talk to them to express your concerns about their drinking. There is a proper way of doing this, so make sure you do your research to develop the best approach; this will help you better encourage them to seek help without defensiveness or arguments. If necessary, you can stage an intervention to get the person help. Contact Northstar Transitions should you need help or simply because you are concerned about a friend. Our expert staff can help point you in the right direction to get them the help they need. If you or someone you love is ready for recovery, don’t wait. Call Northstar Transitions today at (303) 558-6400 to learn more about our program and services.
