How can you help a friend who has had too much to drink?

• A. Leave them alone to sleep it off.
• B. Scold them for drinking.
• C. Provide water or food but do nothing else.
• D. Keep them safe, monitor for distress, provide water or food if appropriate, and call for medical help if needed.

Answer: (D)

When someone has had too much to drink, the priority is their safety and watching for signs of trouble. The best approach is to stay with them, keep them in a safe place, and monitor how they are doing. Providing water or food can help with hydration and energy, but you still need to actively look after them and be ready to get medical help if needed.

Keep them safe by staying with them, removing hazards, and if they’re sleeping or unconscious, put them on their side so they won’t choke if they vomit. Do not leave them alone. Do not try to sober them up with coffee, a cold shower, or more alcohol. If any warning signs appear—trouble breathing, being unresponsive or not waking, seizures, confusion, vomiting that won’t stop, very cold or blue skin—call emergency services immediately. If you’re unsure, it’s better to seek help.