How to Tell if Someone Is Drunk

Many adults drink alcohol occasionally, usually in social situations or as a way to unwind. Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and lower inhabitation, which can affect how a person acts. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to intoxication, increasing the risk of hurting themselves or others. Frequent intoxication can lead to alcohol abuse and dependence, so it is important to recognize the signs. Here we will help you understand how to tell if someone is drunk and what you can do if they need help.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol affects the body and mind in several ways. When it is consumed, it travels through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. As a depressant, it slows down the central nervous system leading to several physical and behavioral effects. Signs of alcohol intoxication can vary from person to person. They are more obvious in correlation to how much the person has had to drink. While one or two drinks can make a person more relaxed and sociable, excessive drinking can cause major behavioral changes in a person and even put them or others in danger. How you can tell if someone is drunk is through their physical, behavioral, and psychological changes. 

Physical Symptoms of Being Drunk

Some physical signs of alcohol intoxication can include:

• Bloodshot, glassy, or watery eyes
• Flushed face
• Slurred speech
• Smelling of alcohol
• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Swaying, staggering, or stumbling
• Dilated pupils
• Increased sweating

Behavioral Changes Indicative of Alcohol Use

A drunk person will usually have a change in their behavior. If you notice someone’s personality or behavior is out of character, it may be a sign that they are drunk. Some behavioral changes that happen when drunk include:

• Speaking loudly or excessively
• Rambling train of thought
• Repetitive statements
• Inability to concentrate or pay attention in conversations
• Saying things that don’t make sense
• Acting inappropriately

Psychological Effects of Alcohol Intoxication

As a depressant, alcohol can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain which can have effects such as feeling more relaxed, less anxious, and more confident. Alcohol lowers inhibitions which can lead to people acting on thoughts they would otherwise not have. It can make feelings more intense and bring them to the surface, leading to anger, aggression, crying, irritability, sadness, or even overly joyfulness. Alcohol consumption can also impair judgment, causing the person to make dangerous choices such as driving while intoxicated. Drinking too much can also exacerbate preexisting mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Short-Term Risks of Drinking Alcohol

The physical and psychological effects of alcohol can lead to several negative consequences. Decreased coordination can increase the risk of falls and accidents, which can cause the person to hurt themselves or others. A drunk person may also exhibit risky or violent behavior, including driving while drunk, getting into physical altercations, or having unprotected sex. Drinking too much alcohol can also put a person at risk for alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma or death if severe enough. Nausea and vomiting a common side effect of excessive drinking, along with the risk of passing out, can lead to someone choking on their vomiting.

Long-Term Health Risks Associated with Alcohol Consumption

The occasional drink or two may not have any long-term health risks. However, frequent excessive drinking can damage the body and brain. As a toxin, alcohol is metabolized in the liver and chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease including fatty liver and cirrhosis. Heavy drinkers may have increased cholesterol and blood pressure, leading to heart disease. Alcohol also affects the brain’s communication pathways and over time, excessive drinking can lead to mental health disorders, dementia, and lowered cognitive abilities. It can also irritate and damage the digestive system, leading to ulcers, chronic diarrhea, and heartburn. Heavy alcohol use has also been linked to many types of cancers including breast, liver, and colon cancer.  Individuals who drink to excess often can gain weight, suffer from malnutrition, have a higher risk of mental health disorders, and develop type II diabetes.

Side Effects of Excessive Drinking

Alcohol affects everyone differently. Drinking too much leads to harmful short-term and long-term consequences. Physically, excessive alcohol consumption can result in vomiting, falling, and in the long run several health issues. Psychologically, it can cause a person to act in ways they would not otherwise have or say things they do not mean. It can also lead to being in an accident, harming themselves or others, risky sexual behavior, alcohol poisoning, and domestic or sexual violence.

The side effects of excessive drinking do not end once the person stops drinking. It takes a while for alcohol to be metabolized and for the person to sober up. They can also experience a hangover the next day, which can leave the person with headaches, feeling ill, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, tiredness, and dehydration for 24 to 48 hours.

How to Help Someone Who is Drunk and Needs Assistance

If you suspect someone has drunk too much alcohol, first determine if they are having an alcohol overdose and need emergency assistance. Someone experiencing alcohol poisoning, or an overdose needs emergency medical attention, and you should call 911 right away. Alcohol poisoning can affect important functions like breathing and heart rate which can lead to death or brain damage. How to tell if someone is drunk and needs emergency medical help includes:

• Slow or irregular breathing
• Difficulty staying awake or alert
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Lack of gag reflex
• Pale or bluish skin
• Low body temperature

If the person is drunk and does not show signs of alcohol overdose but is unable to safely take care of themselves, there are some things you can do to keep both you and them safe. You can help them by:

• Take them to a safe place and stay with them. Do not let them drive or try to get home on their own. They could hurt themselves or someone else. Staying by their side can also ensure they do not drink any more alcohol.
• Give them some food and a non-alcoholic drink. This can help them to stop drinking and give their bodies time to process the alcohol. Do not try to force-feed them especially if they are starting to pass out.
• Place them in the recovery position. It is common for a drunk person to want to lie down. Make sure they are lying on their side with a pillow placed behind their back to prevent them from rolling on their back or stomach, which can cause them to choke if they vomit.
• Keep them awake. It is crucial for someone who is severely intoxicated to not slip into unconsciousness. If they do start to sleep, monitor breathing and wake them often to make sure they are still okay. Blood alcohol content can rise during sleep and put them more at risk.

If you notice your loved one is frequently drinking too much, they may have a problem with alcohol. Dependence or addiction to alcohol develops slowly over time. Talking to your loved one about their drinking habits may stop the progression toward addiction. Do not discuss their drinking while they are intoxicated as that won’t get you anywhere. After they have sobered up, you can express your concern about their drinking and determine whether they need help stopping.

WhiteSands Treatment offers comprehensive alcohol abuse and addiction recovery programs at various levels of care. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse and cannot stop on your own, please give us a call today at (877)855-3470. Our addiction specialists can answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction toward the next best steps.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.