How do you look after a friend who has had too much to drink?
What you need to know
Drinking large amounts can lead to an overdose due to alcohol poisoning.
When someone drinks alcohol faster than the liver can process it, the amount of alcohol in the blood rises, sometimes to a dangerous level. This can lead to an alcohol overdose. At very high blood alcohol levels, a person loses consciousness and goes into a coma. People do die due to alcohol poisoning.
There are several things you can do to look after a friend who has had too much to drink.
STAY WITH THEM
Stay with your friend until you know they are safe. This could be at home or another safe place. Never leave them alone.
KEEP THEM SAFE
Your friend might try to do something dangerous. Never leave someone to go to the toilet or anywhere else to be sick on their own. This could potentially be life threatening. If you are worried, get help.
REASSURE THEM
Your friend might get upset or scared if they feel drunk and sick. You should keep them calm and tell them they will be OK.
KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE
Your friend might feel sick I'll get hot and sweaty. Putting a cold damp cloth on the back of their neck can make them feel more comfortable. If they are cold and shivering then wrap something warm around them. If your friend is not being sick they can take small sips of water to keep hydrated. However gulping down water could make them vomit.
ACT FAST, SAVE A LIFE
If your friend becomes unconscious (cannot be woken up], make sure they are lying on their side, so they do not choke if they are sick. Place them in the recovery position and call 999. It's better to be safe than sorry. When help arrives to the medics everything they need to know.
WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP
An alcohol overdose is a dangerous situation. You should call 999 if the person:
- Cannot be woken up.
- Has cold, clammy or blue looking skin.
- Is breathing very slowly
- Is vomiting without waking up
THINGS YOU MUST NOT DO
The only thing that will sober up a drunk person is time. None of these things will help.
- Coffee, tea or other drinks: This could just make them vomit.
- Water to drink if they are being sick: This will cause more vomiting.
- Cold shower: the shock could cause them to pass out.
- Walk or run: this can cause choking.
- Laugh our skit them: it is important to reassure your friend.
- Leave them to sleep it off alone: people can choke on their own vomit or simply stop breathing.
