Intoxication
Intoxication is a temporary and reversible condition that affects the central nervous system after a person ingests certain substances, such as alcohol or drugs. Intoxication affects judgment, the ability to think clearly, and behavior.
People who are intoxicated may become belligerent, aggressive (including sexually aggressive), or quiet and may not be able to perform work, family, or social responsibilities. Physical signs of intoxication include slurred speech, clumsiness, and problems with memory and attention. Some people who are intoxicated pass out. Severe intoxication can be a serious threat to health, and it can even cause death.
How do you know if an intoxicated person needs help?
Signs that an intoxicated person might need medical attention include:
- An injury. An intoxicated person may not feel pain normally. So they may not be aware of an injury or realize how serious it may be. It is not uncommon for an intoxicated person to vomit once. But an intoxicated person who is confused or not acting normally and vomits more than once may have a more serious problem, such as a head injury.
- Signs of alcohol poisoning. These include vomiting, confusion, slow or irregular breathing, and the inability to be awakened.
How can you help your teen say no to drugs and alcohol?
You can teach your teen these ways to respond if someone offers them drugs or alcohol.
- Look the person in the eye and say "No, thanks." Sometimes that's all you need to do. Say it as many times as you need to. Also tell the person not to ask you again: "I'm cool with my decision, so don't bother me again."
- Say why you don't want to use drugs or alcohol. Here are some examples: "I don't like how I act when I drink or use drugs," "I like to know what I'm doing," "If my parents find out, they'll take my car away," or "I have to practice with my band tomorrow."
- Walk out. It's okay to leave a party or group where others are drinking or using drugs.
- Offer another idea. For example, say "I'd rather play video games" or "Let's listen to some music." By doing this, you might also prevent your friend from drinking or using drugs.
- Ask for respect. Make it clear that you don't want to drink or use drugs and that continuing to ask you is showing no respect for your opinions: "I don't give you a hard time. So why are you giving me a hard time?"
- Think ahead. If you think you might go someplace where people are drinking or using drugs, don't go. But if you do go, think in advance about what you will do if someone offers you drugs or alcohol.
Why do teens use alcohol or drugs?
Teens may use alcohol or drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they:
- Want to fit in with (or may be pressured by) certain friends or groups.
- Like the way it makes them feel.
- Believe it makes them more grown up.
- Want to escape from their problems. For example, some teens may use drugs to try to:
- Avoid the symptoms of mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.
- Ease feelings of insecurity.
- Forget about past trauma or abuse.
Helping a person who is intoxicated
Most people can be cared for at home by family or friends when they are intoxicated. If you think that the intoxicated person's condition is getting worse and you are concerned that you can't provide a safe environment, seek medical help.
Here are some ways to help a person who is intoxicated.
- Stop the person from taking more alcohol or drugs.
You may have to remove the person from a bar or party. If the person is at home, remove the alcohol or drugs from the house.
- Stay with the person.
Or have someone else stay with the person until that person's condition has improved.
- Provide a safe place for the person to rest.
Don't let the person drive a vehicle or operate machinery. Take steps to prevent falls.
- Find out what the person has used.
Find out if the person has used alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription or nonprescription medicines.
The use of alcohol with medicines or illegal drugs may increase the intoxicating effects each has on the body. Call 911 for help if you are concerned about any drugs that the person has taken.
- Find out if the person has other health problems.
Certain health problems could affect the person's condition. For example, diabetes or a seizure disorder could make the person seem to be intoxicated.
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