Looking After Friends
Sometimes things can go wrong, especially when someone drinks too much, too quickly.
Whether you are drinking alcohol or not, there are simple things you can do to help look after a friend who is drunk or feeling unwell.
Always remember: you are a friend, not a doctor.
How to tell if someone has drunk too much
Signs to look out for
A friend may have had too much alcohol if they show physical, behavioural or mental changes.
These can include:
Slurred speech- Difficulty walking
- Glassy or bloodshot eyes
- Impaired motor function
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Vomiting
- Emotional changes
- Aggression
- Being overly talkative
- Being unable to control their actions
- Passing out
When behaviour changes
Alcohol can affect how someone acts. They may become aggressive, emotional, confused, or unable to control what they are doing.If they become violent or difficult to manage, your personal safety comes first. Never be afraid to ask for help.
What you can do
Stay with them
Stay with your friend and never leave them alone. Monitor their condition, including their breathing and how responsive they are.Keep them safe
Guide them to a safe, quiet place and discourage further drinking. Remove nearby hazards, such as sharp objects or obstacles they could fall on.Keep them warm
Keep them warm, as alcohol can lower body temperature. Use a blanket if they feel cold.Keep them as upright as possible
If they are conscious but very drunk, help them sit or lie on their side in the recovery position. Never place them on their back, as this can increase the risk of choking if they vomit.Offer water carefully
Keep them hydrated where possible. Only offer water if they are coherent, awake and not vomiting.Speak calmly
Try to speak calmly and use simple phrases. Avoid arguments or stressful topics.Get help if needed
Get help from a trusted adult, staff member or emergency services if you are worried. If ever in doubt, call for help.What not to do
Do not leave them alone
Never leave a drunk friend on their own, especially if they are unwell, confused, vomiting or passing out.Do not let them “sleep it off” without checking them
Time is the only way to sober up, but someone who is very drunk still needs to be monitored. Check their breathing and responsiveness.Do not lay them on their back
If someone is very drunk or vomiting, do not lay them on their back. This can increase the risk of choking.Do not give caffeine or other substances
Avoid caffeine or other substances to try to sober them up, as they will not work.Do not put yourself in danger
Helping a drunk friend can be difficult and potentially dangerous. Your first priority must always be your personal safety.If your friend is vomiting
Vomiting can be life-threatening, even when alcohol is not involved. If your drunk friend is vomiting, extra care needs to be taken. Keep monitoring them, keep them as safe as possible, and call for help if you are worried.
What is alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is a serious and life-threatening condition caused by drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time.
It is also known as an overdose.
It happens when the level of alcohol in the bloodstream becomes so high that it starts to shut down areas of the brain responsible for breathing, heart rate and body temperature regulation.
Why it can be life-threatening
Alcohol poisoning can impair vital brain functions and bodily processes.
It can happen from binge drinking or rapid alcohol consumption.
The risk can increase depending on factors such as age, sex, body weight, alcohol tolerance, speed of drinking, medication use, and whether food has been consumed.
Combining alcohol with opioids, sedatives or some over-the-counter medications can significantly increase the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Call 999 immediately if any of the following signs occur:
- They are unresponsive or cannot be woken up
- Their breathing is slow, irregular or shallow
- They are vomiting while unconscious or semi-conscious
- They have seizures
- They show severe confusion
- Their skin is bluish, pale, cold or clammy
If in doubt, call 999. Always remember: you are a friend, not a doctor.