Which action is least appropriate when helping a friend who has had too much to drink?

• A. Encourage them to drink more to 'even things out'.
• B. Check for distress and call for medical help if needed.
• C. Keep them safe and provide water or food if appropriate.
• D. Monitor until they recover.

Answer: (A)

When helping a friend who has had too much to drink, the priority is safety and reducing harm. Encouraging them to drink more to “even things out” is not appropriate because it increases their blood alcohol level and can worsen impairment, raise the risk of vomiting, choking, dehydration, and alcohol poisoning, and can delay recognizing a dangerous situation. In contrast, the safest approach focuses on supportive actions: check for distress and call for medical help if signs of severe intoxication or danger appear; keep them safe and offer water or a light snack if they’re able to swallow and are not vomiting or unconscious; and monitor their condition until they recover or until help is available. These steps help manage risk and support recovery without adding to the danger.