It is likely that you will come into contact with a person who is intoxicated or experiencing an episode of alcohol poisoning.  Listed below are some of the signs and symptoms of intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and the appropriate action to take.  This list is not inclusive.

Signs of intoxication:

• A person who is overly friendly
• Someone talking loudly
• You will usually find the person annoying or arguing with others
• Slurred or slow speech; they tend to lose their train of thought
• The person spills their drink
• Glassy eyes, dilated pupils, inability to focus, sleepy look, and bobbing head
• Sudden or unexplained mood changes
• Staggering, swaying, or the inability to walk

Care of an intoxicated person:

• Stay with him/her!
• Remain calm so he/she will remain calm
• Be prepared for the unexpected
• Be aware of physical dangers and get medical help if needed
• If you have been drinking, get a sober person to help

Assessing the Intoxicated Person

• Count respirations (how many times the person breathes in 1 minute).  If the person is breathing less than 12 times per minute or stops breathing for periods of 10 seconds or more, IMMEDIATELY CALL 911.
• Try to awaken the person if they appear to be asleep.  If you cannot awaken the person, CALL 911.
• Look at the person’s skin.  If it is cold, pale, bluish in color, or sweaty, CALL 911.
• Stay with the person who is vomiting.  Try to keep the person sitting up.  If they must lie down, keep him/her on their side with their head turned to the side.  Watch for choking.  If the person is choking, GET HELP IMMEDIATELY.
• Do not attempt to give the person food if they cannot get it themselves.
• If you cannot keep the person awake, position him/her on their side in a fetal position.  Place a pillow in the small of their back to maintain the position.  Stay with the person and ask someone else to call 911.

   Anyone that has altered consciousness, slowed respirations, or cool, pale skin is experiencing acute alcohol poisoning.  This is a medical emergency and you must get help.

DO NOT….

• Laugh, make fun of, or provoke the person
• Exercise the person
• Allow the person to drive a car or bicycle
• Give the person food, liquid or drugs to sober them up
• Give the person a cold shower; the shock of cold water could cause unconsciousness.

REMEMBER…THE ONLY THING THAT CAN SOBER A DRUNK IS TIME!

Marlene Sweet, LCSW, ACSW
Counseling Services
Conrad Hall, First Floor
260.665.4172