Dealing with drunk or intoxicated people requires patience, awareness, and often, split-second decision-making. Whether you’re helping a friend at home, managing an intoxicated guest at an event, or working in a bar or hospitality setting, knowing how to respond can make the difference between a safe resolution and a risky situation.

How to Recognize When Someone Is Drunk or Intoxicated

Before you can help someone who’s drunk, you need to identify the signs of intoxication. An intoxicated person may not always be easy to spot—especially in social environments where alcohol use is common. But knowing the differences between someone who’s tipsy versus someone who is heavily intoxicated is crucial.

Physical signs of intoxication include slurred speech, unsteady gait, bloodshot eyes, and poor motor control. You might notice a drunk person bumping into things, dropping objects, or having difficulty forming coherent sentences. These are clear signs of a person moving beyond the tipsy stage.

Behavioral indicators of an intoxicated person may include aggression, excessive emotional outbursts, overly friendly or inappropriate behavior, or an inability to follow simple instructions. Recognizing these symptoms of a drunk person can help prevent escalation.

Knowing the 5 signs of intoxication—loss of coordination, impaired judgment, confusion, nausea, and drowsiness—can help you decide when to step in. These signs of an intoxicated person may appear slowly or all at once depending on the person’s tolerance and the type of alcohol consumed.

How to Deal with a Drunk Person (Anywhere)

The first rule when managing an intoxicated person is to stay calm. Dealing with a drunk person isn’t always easy, but your own demeanor can either help de-escalate the situation—or make it worse.

Start by speaking slowly and clearly. When talking to a drunk person, use their name (if known), make eye contact (if culturally appropriate), and avoid raising your voice. If possible, guide the conversation toward simple topics to gauge their awareness. It’s important to avoid hot topics, sarcasm, or anything that may trigger emotional responses.

If the individual is upset or belligerent, knowing how to calm a drunk person down can be lifesaving. Encourage them to sit somewhere quiet and offer water if they are coherent enough to drink it safely. If someone is being aggressive, you may need to physically distance yourself while maintaining verbal communication.

Remember: knowing what to do when someone is drunk involves more than just keeping them safe—it’s about making sure they don’t harm themselves or others. In some cases, what to do when someone is really drunk may involve calling emergency services, especially if they are unresponsive or vomiting uncontrollably.

How to Handle an Intoxicated Guest (At a Bar, Party, or Event)

When working in a hospitality environment, knowing how to handle intoxicated guests is a vital part of your responsibility. Whether you’re a bartender, server, or event staff, you’ll likely encounter someone who has had too much to drink.

If you’re wondering how will you handle an intoxicated guest, begin with assessment: Are they showing physical or behavioral signs of intoxication? Are they disturbing others or putting themselves at risk?

When handling an intoxicated person, consider these best practices:

• Speak slowly, clearly, and with a non-threatening tone
  
  
• Avoid sudden movements or confrontational language
  
  
• Offer alternatives like water or food
  
  
• Gently suggest that they take a break or move to a quieter area
  
  

If you’re in a bar or licensed venue, you must also understand what must you do when intoxicated persons arrive at your bar. This typically includes:

• Refusing service politely but firmly
  
  
• Monitoring their behavior for safety
  
  
• Alerting supervisors or security if necessary
  
  

RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) protocols outline when refusing service you should be aware of your body language and be calm, respectful, and confident. The take care approach encourages staff to prevent harm before it escalates.

How to Take Care of a Drunk Person (At Home or in Public)

If someone you care about becomes heavily intoxicated, knowing how to take care of a drunk person can prevent serious health risks.

Start by moving them to a safe, quiet environment. How to help a drunk person in this context often includes:

• Keeping them hydrated (water, not caffeine)
  
  
• Keeping them warm
  
  
• Staying with them until they sober up
  
  

Avoid giving them food or medication without consulting a professional. If they pass out or exhibit signs of alcohol poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Knowing what to do for a drunk person may include calling an ambulance and putting them in the recovery position.

If you’re wondering how to take care of someone who is drunk at home versus in public, the core difference lies in the level of control you have over the environment. In public, your goal is to minimize embarrassment and prevent harm.

Intervention Strategies to Prevent Intoxication

The best way to deal with intoxication is to prevent it. Learning strategies to prevent intoxication is essential whether you’re a bartender, party host, or concerned friend.

Here are 4 strategies to prevent intoxication:

• Encourage pacing drinks over time
  
  
• Offer plenty of food
  
  
• Provide non-alcoholic drink options
  
  
• Monitor for early signs of intoxication
  
  

Some RSA frameworks ask you to list four (4) strategies to prevent intoxication, and the above list is a great place to start. If you notice a guest is not showing signs of intoxication, it doesn’t mean you stop paying attention—it means you continue to observe and engage.

You should also know how would you encourage customers to drink within the appropriate limits? Use friendly reminders, menu suggestions, and offer water without being prompted.

Dealing with Drug-Affected or Overly Intoxicated People

Sometimes you may face someone who is overly intoxicated or under the influence of more than just alcohol. Recognizing when someone is severely intoxicated or intoxicating person behavior is essential.

If you’re unsure how to deal with a drug affected patron, follow the same basic principles as with alcohol: de-escalate, don’t physically engage, and seek help if needed.

In extreme cases, knowing what are three ways that intoxication can lead to death—aspiration, hypothermia, and respiratory failure—can guide you toward immediate intervention.

Self-Care After Managing an Intoxicated Person

Helping someone through a state of intoxication can be emotionally exhausting. That’s why alcohol intoxication self-care is essential.

Talk to a supervisor or trusted colleague after the incident. Reflect on what went well, and where you may need support or improvement. Self-care isn’t just about rest—it’s about emotional regulation and professional growth.

And if you’re regularly dealing with drunk or intoxicated people, it might be time to consider more structured training or professional help—for them and for yourself.

Get Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction

If you’re frequently managing situations involving intoxicated individuals—whether at home, work, or socially—it may be time to address the root of the issue.

At Asana Recovery, we specialize in comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment, offering detox, inpatient care, and individualized recovery plans. Whether you’re trying to help a loved one or seeking support for yourself, our compassionate team is here 24/7.

Take the first step toward change—contact Asana Recovery today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should you do when someone is too drunk to drive themselves home?

If a customer or friend is too intoxicated to drive, do not let them get behind the wheel. Call a taxi, arrange a rideshare, or encourage them to stay the night if possible. When refusing to let them drive, stay calm and firm.

What are the best ways to calm down a drunk person?

Move the individual to a quiet place, lower stimulation (lights, noise), and speak slowly. Knowing how to calm a drunk person can prevent escalation and help them regain control.

What do I do if an intoxicated person becomes aggressive?

When handling an intoxicated person who’s aggressive, prioritize your safety. Avoid confrontation, keep your distance, and seek help if needed.

How do you help a drunk person at home?

Keep them hydrated, warm, and safe. Monitor for signs of alcohol poisoning and stay with them until they are sober. Knowing how to take care of someone who is drunk is crucial to their safety.

Is it safe to give food or coffee to a drunk person?

Avoid caffeine as it can dehydrate. Offer water and bland food only if they’re alert. The best self-care approach for intoxicated individuals is rest and hydration.

What are 4 signs of intoxication that every bartender should know?

Slurred speech, glassy eyes, uncoordinated movements, and impaired judgment. Recognizing the signs of an intoxicated guest can prevent over-service.

What must you do when intoxicated persons arrive at your bar?

You should assess their condition, refuse service if necessary, follow RSA guidelines, and inform security or management.

What are effective strategies to prevent intoxication?

Monitor drinking pace, serve food, promote water, and recognize early signs. These intervention strategies to prevent intoxication protect everyone involved.

Informational Sources

• Department of Health and Human Services. (2003). Managing an intoxicated person. Victorian Government. Retrieved from https://www.health.vic.gov.au
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Alcohol overdose: The dangers of drinking too much. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). (n.d.). Signs of intoxication and service refusal. Retrieved from https://www.rsaonline.com.au
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Alcohol and public health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol
• American Addiction Centers. (2023). How to help a drunk person. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org