How to Responsibly Help an Intoxicated Friend Without Putting Yourself at Risk- featuring Queen's COR

When someone you know is heavily intoxicated, it can be hard to know what to do. Many people have misconceptions about how to help, which can sometimes make the situation worse or even put you at risk. Knowing the right steps to take can protect both you and the person who needs help. This guide offers clear, practical advice on how to support an intoxicated friend safely and effectively.

Stay Safe and Calm:

Your safety comes first. If you feel threatened or unsafe, step back and call for professional help immediately. When approaching someone who is intoxicated, keep your tone friendly and non-judgmental. This helps reduce anxiety and makes them more likely to listen.

• Keep your distance at first. Let the person know what you plan to do before you get closer or touch them.

• Stand to the side rather than directly in front to avoid making them feel cornered or threatened.

• Speak calmly and clearly, using simple language.

Find a safe place:

Intoxicated people can feel embarrassed or overwhelmed in noisy, crowded places. If possible, gently guide them to a quieter area where you can talk without distractions.

• This reduces stimulation and the person is better able to focus on what you are saying.

• It also protects their dignity by avoiding public/social interactions they may interact later.

  
  

At a party, find a quiet room, or step outside.

Express your concern clearly:

Let the person know you care about their safety. Use simple, direct statements like:

• "I'm worried about you right now."

• "I want to make sure you're okay."

  
  

Avoid blaming or lecturing, which can bring up feelings, cause defensiveness, or anger.

Look for a sober friend:

Sometimes, intoxicated individuals respond better to someone they know well who is sober. If you can find a friend or family member who is less affected, ask them to help.

• Familiar voices can be more reassuring.

• They might be able to convince the person to rest or seek help.

  
  

If no sober friend is available, stay with the person yourself and monitor their condition.

Know when to call emergency help:

If the person becomes aggressive, uncontrollable, or shows signs of serious medical distress, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 or emergency services.

COR: The Queen's Campus Observation Room for students who are intoxicated

If your friend needs supervision until they are free of toxins, bring them to the COR. Here we have trained student staff observers with support from professional staff. For more info on the COR services, hours, volunteer/work opportunities, visit COR's official page on Queen's Student Wellness Services.

Signs to watch for include:

• Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up

• Difficulty breathing or irregular breathing

• Choking or vomiting while unconscious

• Seizures or severe confusion

• Signs of injury or trauma

  
  

Emergency responders are trained to handle these situations safely.

What not to do:

Certain actions can make things worse or put you and the intoxicated person at risk. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not try to walk, exercise, or shower someone who is intoxicated. These activities can increase the risk of falls or accidents.

• Never laugh at or argue with the person. This can escalate tension or cause emotional harm.

• Do not physically restrain them unless absolutely necessary for safety. Restraining can provoke aggression or injury.

• Avoid giving coffee, cold showers, or other "remedies" to sober someone up. Only time can reduce intoxication safely.

Be aware of potential dangers:

Intoxication affects coordination, judgment, and bodily functions. Knowing the risks helps you act quickly to prevent harm.

• Choking is a serious risk, especially if the person vomits. To reduce this danger, place them in the recovery position: lying on their side with the head tilted slightly back.

• Injury from falls or risky behavior can happen because of impaired coordination.

• Unconsciousness or breathing problems may occur as blood alcohol levels rise, which can lead to cardiac or respiratory arrest.

  
  

If you notice any of these dangers, seek help immediately.

How to place someone in the recovery position:

If the person is unconscious but breathing, the recovery position helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking.

Steps:

1. Kneel beside the person.

2. Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body.

3. Bring the far arm across their chest.

4. Bend the far knee so the foot is flat on the ground.

5. Gently roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee.

6. Tilt the head back slightly to keep the airway open.

7. Stay with them and monitor breathing until help arrives.

   
   

When to get help now:

If you are unsure about the severity of the situation or feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Resources like Get Help Now provide guidance and emergency contacts.

Remember, it is better to ask for help early than to wait until the situation becomes critical.