How to Take Care of a Drunk Person?


As a responsible adult, it's essential to know how to take care of someone who has had too much to drink. Whether you are at a party or out at a bar, you may find yourself in the position of having to help someone who is intoxicated. This can be an intimidating and overwhelming, but it is still under your control to ensure the safety of both yourself and the person in need.

Let's discuss what steps should be taken if you find yourself taking care of a drunk person and safety tips for yourself during the process. Read on to learn more about how to handle this delicate situation.

Make Sure the Person is in a Safe P lace

it is important to make sure the drunk person is in a safe place where they will not be in danger of falling or hurting themselves. This means removing any potential hazards from the area, such as sharp objects or unstable furniture. It's also important to ensure that the person is seated or lying down in a stable position rather than slumping over or leaning against something that may cause them to fall.

Try to keep the person in a well-lit area, so you can easily check on them. If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, it's best to move them to a flat surface, such as a bed or a couch, and position them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.

Try to Keep the Person Awake

If the person is extremely drunk, vomiting, or having seizures, do not try to keep them awake. Instead, call the helpline immediately. For less serious cases of intoxication, you can try to keep the person awake by −

  • Talking to them in a loud voice

  • Shaking them gently

  • Putting cold water on their face

  • Walking them around

However, stay with the person under all circumstances and not let them alone. If they become unconscious, call the helpline number immediately.

Keep the Person Warm

Alcohol can cause the blood vessels to dilate, which can cause the person to feel cold and shivering. Covering the person with a warm blanket can help to raise their body temperature and make them feel more comfortable. It's also important to ensure that the person is not exposed to drafts, as this can cause them to lose heat more quickly.

If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, cover them completely with a blanket, including their head and neck, to keep them warm. It's also important to check on them regularly to ensure they are not overheating.

Do Not Let the Person Drive

Alcohol impairs the ability to drive and can cause slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty staying in the correct lane. Allowing a drunk person to drive can put the person, as well as others on the road, at risk for accidents and injuries. If the person wants to drive, take their keys away and make sure they get home safely by calling a cab or a sober friend.

It's also imperative to keep in mind that even if the person feels sober, their judgment and reaction time could still be impaired, so it's important to not let them drive even if they insist they are fine to do so.

Do Not Leave the Person A lone

it is important not to leave a drunk person alone, especially if they are unconscious or unresponsive. It is important to stay with them until help arrives or until they are sober enough to take care of themselves.

If they are unconscious or unresponsive, you should stay with them, watch over them and monitor their breathing. If they stop breathing, call 911 immediately.

If the drunk person is conscious and can communicate with you, it is still important to stay with them and ensure they are safe. They may need assistance or have difficulty taking care of themselves due to their level of intoxication.

Make Sure They Sleep Correctly

it is important to ensure that a drunk person sleeps on their side with a pillow behind them, especially if they are unconscious or unresponsive. This position helps prevent choking in case they vomit while they are sleeping. If the drunk person sleeps on his back, it can cause the tongue to fall back and block the airway, while sleeping on the stomach can cause the person to inhale the vomit.

Putting a pillow behind them will help keep them in the side position. It's also important to ensure that the person is lying on a firm surface, such as a bed or a couch, rather than something soft like a beanbag, chair, or a pile of cushions, which can cause them to sink and become unstable.

Help Them Sober Up

Assuming you don't have any medical training, you can still do some things to help a drunk person sober up. First, try to get them to drink water or eat food. This will help their body start to process the alcohol. Next, try to get them to fresh air, either go outside with them or open a window. The fresh air will help them wake up a bit.

Finally, try to keep them awake and alert by talking to them or having them walk around. If they fall asleep, try to wake them up every few hours, so they don't sleep for too long.

Conclusion

Taking care of a drunk person can be challenging, but it is necessary to ensure they are safe and healthy. Remember to stay calm and monitor the situation closely while providing them with plenty of support.

Remember that being aware of what to do when someone you know becomes intoxicated can help prevent any serious medical issues or injuries from occurring. Finally, encourage them to get professional help if needed so they can access treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction.

Updated on: 02-Mar-2023

2K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements