Alcohol and Drugs: When to Get Help for an Intoxicated Person

Overview

Signs that an intoxicated person might need medical attention include:

• An injury. An intoxicated person may not feel pain normally. So they may not be aware of an injury or realize how serious it may be. It is not uncommon for an intoxicated person to vomit once. But an intoxicated person who is confused or not acting normally and vomits more than once may have a more serious problem, such as a head injury.
• Signs of alcohol poisoning. These include vomiting, confusion, slow or irregular breathing, and the inability to be awakened.

Most people can be cared for at home by family or friends when they are intoxicated. If you think that the intoxicated person's condition is getting worse and you are concerned that you can't provide a safe environment, seek medical help.

Here are some ways to help a person who is intoxicated.

• Stop the person from taking more alcohol or drugs.

  You may have to remove the person from a bar or party. If the person is at home, remove the alcohol or drugs from the house.

• Stay with the person.

  Or have someone else stay with the person until that person's condition has improved.

• Provide a safe place for the person to rest.

  Don't let the person drive a vehicle or operate machinery. Take steps to prevent falls.

• Find out what the person has used.

  Find out if the person has used alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription or nonprescription medicines.

  The use of alcohol with medicines or illegal drugs may increase the intoxicating effects each has on the body. Call 911 for help if you are concerned about any drugs that the person has taken.

• Find out if the person has other health problems.

  Certain health problems could affect the person's condition. For example, diabetes or a seizure disorder could make the person seem to be intoxicated.