Binge Warning Signs

Most people have seen the drunk passed out on the couch with permanent marker on his face or the girl who can’t do anything but giggle in and out of coherence. But here’s a newsflash: he’s not just sleeping and she’s not just drunk.

When people drink to the point they’re unresponsive or delirious, they are no longer drunk – they are suffering from alcohol poisoning. At this point, they can’t help themselves and leaving them alone to “sleep it off” can have catastrophic consequences.

Now this isn’t to say you have to be a babysitter – but when people pose a danger to themselves, there are some basic guidelines those nearby should keep in mind.

  • Ensure the person does not drink any more alcohol
  • Try to keep the person sitting – reflexes and coordination decrease with alcohol intake
  • Stay calm
  • Speak clearly and without yelling
  • Stay with a vomiting person
  • Lay a drunk person down on his or her side – not on the back
  • Monitor breathing for ANY irregularities
  • Don’t be intimidated
  • Do not provide any stimulants to “sober them up” – this can cause further health problems
  • Do not give the person a cold shower or douse with cold water – the shock of temperature can send the body into physical shock
  • Do not induce vomiting
  • Encourage water intake
  • Assess the situation – if your friend is in serious trouble, call 911 immediately

While you may be ridiculed for being responsible, it sure beats watching a friend get into serious or life-threatening danger.

Because that is not hot.