How to Deal With Drunkards

There may come a time when you are called on to deal with someone who is intoxicated. This person may be a friend or family member or someone who comes into your place of work. You can usually spot an intoxicated person by her behavior. She may slur her words, stumble when she tries to walk or even vomit. Sometimes, a person who has had too much to drink passes out. If you're ever responsible for someone who is drunk, there are some steps you need to take.

Things You'll Need

• Cab fare

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay with the intoxicated person. Do not let him wander off alone. Even a few drinks can impair a person's judgment to the point where he might do something foolish, such as wander out in traffic or initiate a game of Russian roulette.

• 2

  Cut off the alcohol. If you work in a bar or restaurant, stop serving the patron as soon as you notice signs that she is drunk. If you are out with a friend or family member, ask the bartender to stop serving your loved one and walk her away from the bar.

• 3

  Take the car keys. If you are sober, offer to drive your friend home. If you have been drinking, too, call a cab to take both of you home.

• 4

  Offer the intoxicated person food and water. Alcohol causes dehydration, so it is important that people who are drinking a lot of alcohol also drink plenty of water. Food can help offset some of the effects of the alcohol, especially if the intoxicated person has been drinking on an empty stomach.

• 5

  Turn the intoxicated person onto her side and place pillows behind her back if she passes out or falls asleep. People who are drunk sometimes vomit in their sleep. If your friend is lying on her back or her stomach, she could choke on the vomit.

• 6

  Observe -- or find a sober person to observe -- the drunk person as he sleeps. If the person appears to be having trouble breathing, or if his breathing changes, summon medical help at once.