Intoxicated people are less able to think clearly or make good decisions. Judgment is skewed, emotions are heightened, and tempers are shortened. It can be challenging to control anyone who is drunk, yet there are practical ways to keep yourself safe and deal with intoxicated individuals.
Keep Everyone Involved Safe
If someone is intoxicated becomes, they may become violent or threatening. Depending upon your relationship with the person, there are different ways to navigate the situation. If the drunk person is part of your group, consider the following:
Ensure someone is always with the person so they do not cause trouble with others.
Take their keys, so they can’t drive.
Call 911 if you suspect they need medical assistance.
Get them home or to a safe place where they can recover.
If you encounter a problematic drunk person that is not part of your group:
Do not engage with them verbally of physically.
Inform a bar or event employee of the potentially bad situation, as they might have the person removed.
Inform their group members of what is going on. They might be able to intervene and prevent something bad from happening.
If you do not feel comfortable, remove yourself from the situation.
Three Key Points for Taking Care of a Drunk Person
When someone consumes too much alcohol, they are at risk of injuring themselves and others and succumbing to alcohol poisoning. Here are three key pointers when taking care of someone who is drunk.
- Keep checking that they are safe. Start by asking how much they have had to drink, and check for signs of alcohol poisoning (irregular breathing, pale, cold or clammy skin, vomiting, loss of consciousness). Get them to a safe place.
- Make sure the person sleeps it off safely. Never allow a drunk person to fall asleep unattended, and make sure they are sleeping on their side and cannot roll onto their back. Try to wake them up every five to ten minutes, and someone should stay with them during the night.
- Help them sober up. Ensure they stop drinking any more alcohol and give them water to drink. Provide them with plain food to consume to help them absorb the alcohol. Avoid giving them coffee if possible. Try not to force them to throw up. Allow enough time for them to sober up.
