Here's What to Do When Someone Is Drunk and Needs Help

Every day in the US, about 30 people lose their lives in an alcohol-related driving accident and 6 lose their lives from alcohol poisoning.

We’ve all been or been with that person who gets too drunk. Most of the time, nothing comes from it except for a bad hangover.

However, it’s important to be aware that while drinking alcohol can be a lot of fun, alcohol can also be a deadly substance when consumed in excess.

This is why if you’re with someone who gets too drunk, it’s very important that you take proper care of them.

Check out this guide to learn what to do when someone is drunk and how you can help them.

1. Spot the Signs

First of all, it’s important to understand that there’s a difference between being happily tipsy and being dangerously wasted.

If your friend is tipsy and just having a good time, you don’t need to intervene.

However, if they’re drunk to the point where they can barely form sentences, are having trouble walking, are throwing up, or are passed out, then you need to intervene.

You should also be aware of the signs that your friend is experiencing alcohol poisoning. If this is the case, then you need to call 911 immediately. Look out for these signs:

Seizures
Vomiting
Low body temperature
Breathing fewer than 8 times a minute
Pausing for more than 10 seconds between each breath
Clammy skin
Pale or blue-tinged skin

Check out this guide to learn more about the symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

2. Get Them to a Safe Place

If you’re out at the bars and you notice that one of your friends has gotten too drunk, then you need to get them to a safe place.

Call a cab and take them to your place or go with them to their place. It can be a bummer to have to turn your night in early because a friend got too drunk, but remember that their life might be in danger.

Also, under no circumstances should you leave your friend alone, Leaving them alone may result in someone taking advantage of their drunken state and they’ll be in no position to defend themselves.

You also want to stay by their side to make sure they’re sleeping in the correct position. That is, on their side.

If an extremely intoxicated friend is sleeping on their back, they’re at the risk of vomiting in their sleep and choking on their vomit.

3. Handling a Belligerent Friend

If your friend isn’t showing signs of alcohol poisoning, but is instead just being an annoying drunk, then you need to take a different approach.

Whether they’re causing a scene, picking fights with others, or just being to loud, it’s best to not intervene and wait until the morning to discuss their behavior.

The only case in which you should intervene is if they’re about to do something catastrophic. In this case, you should intervene by distracting them. For example, you could suggest going to another bar.