Alcohol intoxication

- Also known as drunkenness or alcohol poisoning, is the negative behavior and physical effects
due to the recent drinking of ethanol (alcohol).

Symptoms
Symptoms at lower doses may include mild sedation and poor coordination. At higher doses, there may
be slurred speech, trouble walking, and vomiting. Extreme doses may result in a decreased effort to
breathe (respiratory depression), coma, or death. Complications may include seizures, aspiration
pneumonia, injuries including suicide, and low blood sugar.

Alcohol intoxication is the negative health effects due to the recent drinking of ethanol (alcohol). When
severe it may become a medical emergency. Some effects of alcohol intoxication, such as euphoria and
lowered social inhibition, are central to alcohol's desirability.

The signs and symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning include:

 severe confusion, unpredictable or violent behavior and stupor
 sudden lapses into and out of unconsciousness or semi-consciousness (with later alcoholic
amnesia)
 vomiting while unconscious or semi-conscious
 seizures
 respiratory depression (fewer than eight breaths a minute)
 pale, bluish, cold and clammy skin due to insufficient oxygen

INTOXICATED GUESTS
How to Handle Intoxicated Guests
Let’s face it - it’s sometimes a challenge to deal with a drunk friend or family member; though, it’s
sometimes necessary when someone insists they are ok to drive, a fight breaks out, or a group of people
are doing something unsafe at your party. Do your best to deal with each situation without putting
yourself at risk.
1. Stay calm.
2. Don’t argue with the intoxicated guest.
3. Don’t embarrass the guest, especially in front of other people.
4. Invite the problem guest to an area away from other guests, where you can talk.
5. Deal with the situation in a calm, friendly way. Speak to the person directly, and firmly explain
that what they are doing is unacceptable at your party.
6. Listen and empathize with your guest. Acknowledge your guests anger or frustration, and you
are responsible for their safety and don’t want to see them get hurt.
7. Point out that if they were sober they would agree that what they are doing is a bad idea.
8. If you cannot calm the guest down or convince them to stop what they are doing, ask a friend of
theirs to try.
9. If you decide to ask this person to leave, remember that you are still responsible for their safety
(call a cab, get someone to drive them home, or if the situation gets out of control – call
the police).
Signs of Intoxication
Most of us are familiar with the person who has had too much to drink and can’t walk straight or falls
down. Alcohol impairs our mental and physical abilities in stages. It is important to learn to recognize
the signs of intoxication:
1. Difficulty with fine motor skills (difficulty picking up small things like toothpicks, napkins, tying
their shoes etc.)
2. Speaking too loud or too softly
3. Talking fast, then slow, then fast
4. Slurred speech
5. Bloodshot eyes
6. Sweating when no one else is
7. Dopey, not alert (responds slowly to questions)
8. Poor motor control (stumbling, bumping into others)
9. Breathing slower and lighter than others
10. Sleepiness
If a person who is intoxicated continues to drink, they may reach the point of alcohol poisoning, which
can be fatal.

Cutting a Guest Off

How do I know when to stop serving alcohol to a guest?
Well, it is not an exact science, but there are some things that will help you make this decision.
 Count the drinks served to each person – this is not 100% effective because many people will
get a drink for a friend while at the bar. It takes approximately 1 hour for men and 1.5 hours for
women to rid the body of the alcohol from one standard drink.
 Chat with those ordering drinks before you serve them and watch for the signs of intoxication –
a sober bartender will more easily be able to identifying these signs.

How do I cut someone off?

If one of your guests is at or close to the point of alcohol intoxication, it is important to prevent them
from drinking any more alcohol. Here are a few tips to help you refuse alcohol service to a guest
without conflict:
1. Avoid confrontation. Speak to the intoxicated individual privately and avoid embarrassing them
in front of their friends.
2. Treat the guest with respect. Suggest food or other non-alcoholic alternatives in a friendly
manner.
3. Do not argue, but don’t back down either. Once you inform the guest that they are cut-off, do
not waver from that decision.
4. Calmly state the reason why you can no longer serve them alcoholic drinks. Let the guest know
that your house rules and the law do not permit you to serve them any more alcohol.
5. Do not be rude or act superior. Get your point across in a calm and friendly manner.
6. Listen and acknowledge the guest’s frustration. Be respectful when talking to them, but clear
that you cannot serve any more alcohol.
7. Monitor the guest who has been refused service. Always advise the host or other serving staff
that a guest has been refused service. Make sure that friends are not providing him/her with
alcohol.