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Understanding how to tell if someone is drunk is an important skill, especially for teenagers who might find themselves in social situations where alcohol is present. recognising the signs of intoxication can help you look out for others and stay safe. This article will explain the common signs of drunkenness, the impact it can have on young people, and strategies for handling situations involving intoxicated people.

What Happens When Someone Gets Drunk?

When someone drinks alcohol, it is absorbed into their bloodstream and affects their brain and body. The more they drink, the greater the effects. Alcohol impairs the central nervous system, which controls things like balance, speech, and judgment. This is why drunk people often act differently than they do when they're sober.

Signs That Someone Might Be Drunk

Recognising the signs of drunkenness isn't always straightforward, as different people react to alcohol in different ways. However, here are some common signs to watch for:

• Slurred Speech: They may have difficulty speaking clearly or forming sentences.
• Loss of Balance: They might stumble, sway, or have trouble walking straight.
• Louder or More Emotional: Alcohol can lower inhibitions, making some people louder, more talkative, or more emotional than usual.
• Delayed Reactions: Their responses to questions or actions may be slower than normal.
• Flushed Skin: Drinking alcohol can cause their face or skin to look red or flushed.
• Overconfidence: They may take risks or act recklessly, like trying to climb on furniture or making bold claims.
• Fatigue: They may become unusually tired or drowsy.
• Smell of Alcohol: You might notice the smell of alcohol on their breath or clothing.

How Does Drunkenness Impact Young People?

Alcohol affects teenagers differently than adults because their bodies and brains are still developing. Here are some of the real-life impacts drunkenness can have on young people:

1. Risky Behaviour

When drunk, teenagers are more likely to make risky decisions, such as engaging in unsafe activities or getting into arguments. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which can lead to poor judgment.

2. Vulnerability

Being drunk makes a person more vulnerable to harm, whether it's from accidents, fights, or being taken advantage of by others. It's important to look out for friends who may be in this state.

3. Long-Term Health Risks

Frequent drunkenness during adolescence can harm brain development and increase the risk of addiction later in life. It can also damage relationships and academic performance.

4. Emotional Consequences

Many people feel regret or embarrassment after drinking too much. For teenagers, this can have a big impact on their self-esteem and social life.

Practical Strategies for Dealing with Drunk People

If you're around someone who is drunk, it's important to handle the situation responsibly. Here are some strategies to keep them and others safe:

1. Stay Calm

Drunk people can sometimes be unpredictable or emotional. Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation, even if they're being difficult or argumentative.

2. Keep Them Safe

Make sure they're in a safe environment where they can't hurt themselves or others. Remove any objects they might trip over or hurt themselves with, and try to keep them seated if they're unsteady on their feet.

3. Offer Water and Food

Encourage them to drink water and eat something if they can. This won't sober them up immediately, but it can help reduce the effects of alcohol over time.

4. Don't Let Them Drink More

If someone is already drunk, don't let them have more alcohol. Politely but firmly refuse to get them another drink, and encourage others not to offer them any more.

5. Avoid Arguments

Drunk people may not think clearly, so arguing with them can make things worse. Instead, be patient and understanding while trying to guide them to a safer state.

6. Watch for Warning Signs

If they're showing serious symptoms like vomiting, unconsciousness, or trouble breathing, they may have alcohol poisoning. Call 999 immediately and stay with them until help arrives.

7. Call for Help if Needed

If you're unsure what to do, don't hesitate to ask a responsible adult or call for professional help. It's better to be safe than sorry.

8. Stay with Them

Never leave a drunk person alone, especially if they're in a vulnerable state. Make sure someone responsible stays with them until they're in a safer condition.

How to Avoid These Situations

While it's important to know how to deal with drunk people, preventing these situations in the first place is even better. Here are some tips:

• Talk to Friends Beforehand: Agree on limits for drinking and check in with each other during the party.
• Choose Non-Alcoholic Options: Bring your own soft drinks to parties and encourage friends to do the same.
• Have an Exit Plan: If things get out of hand, make sure you have a way to leave safely, whether it's by arranging a lift or calling a trusted adult.

Final Thoughts

Recognising when someone is drunk can help you look out for their safety and make better decisions in social situations. By understanding the signs of drunkenness and learning practical strategies to handle these situations, you can protect yourself and your friends from harm. Remember, it's always okay to seek help if you're unsure how to manage a situation, and prioritising safety is the most important thing.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.