How to Find Out If Someone Is Intoxicated

Based on size or tolerance, some people hold their alcohol better than others. Men typically have a higher tolerance for alcohol than women because they have a higher percentage of body water as well as a generally larger body mass. Nevertheless, nobody is immune to the effects of drinking too much. While alcohol does affect different people in different ways, there are some common signs that help to reveal if a person is intoxicated.

Instructions

• 1

  Difficulty keeping your eyes open is a sign of intoxication.

  Listen for slurring of words. A heavily-intoxicated person has difficulty speaking clearly because alcohol severely limits a person's motor sensory skills. Loud talking is also a sign that a person is intoxicated because alcohol helps decrease inhibitions and self-consciousness.

• 2

  Look for a loss of coordination. Fumbling for belongings, stumbling or falling down are signs that a person's coordination is failing. If the person you suspect is standing with his feet wider apart to stabilize his lack of balance he may be intoxicated. Leaning against structures or tables is also a sign that a person is intoxicated.

• 3

  Look for acts of belligerence or stubbornness. People who are intoxicated are often unwilling to compromise with others. Alcohol often affects a person's judgment. An intoxicated person may do whatever it costs to get what he wants, no matter what the consequences are.

• 4

  Look for a change in appearance. An intoxicated person may have flushed cheeks, with a red or rosy color. Watch out for disheveled clothing and hair, as these are a sign that a person is intoxicated.

• 5

  Smell for any odors on the breath. An intoxicated person's breath generally has a strong odor of alcohol. You typically don't have to be that close to an intoxicated person to detect the presence of alcohol.

• 6

  Look for a change in a person's visioning function. Frequent squinting and red, watery eyes are signs that a person is intoxicated. An intoxicated person may frequently close one eye to stave off the effects of the "double" vision that results from intoxication.