What do you do if your friend is drunk?

A bad night could be anything from being sick to, being aggressive when drunk and getting into a fight or the potentially fatal consequences of alcohol poisoning.  If you and your friends choose to drink alcohol, all of this can be avoided if you take a little extra care throughout the night and don’t drink above the alcohol unit guidelines. We spoke to medical experts to find out how you can: - spot the signs that a friend might be drinking too much - help when things have already become urgent - prevent a good night turning into one you regret.

Spotting the signs. The degree to which someone’s speech and coordination is affected by alcohol is perhaps the best indicator of how much they have drunk. So, you might notice that someone who has gone beyond the early stages of drinking too much begins to fall down, stagger and slur even more. “They could behave differently, becoming involved in arguments or perhaps being inappropriately sexual towards somebody,”

Signs: Slurred speech Inability to remain standing or sitting up straight A marked desire to lie down or roll over Questionable walking technique or stumbling Unusual, loud, inappropriate, or embarrassing behaviour Violent reactions Bloodshot, glassy, or watery eyes Trouble remembering things Extreme and sudden changes in behaviour or mood.

Step in to discourage further drinking. If he/she wants drinks, take responsibility for delivering drinks that won't harm him/her. Offer water or hand him/her a coke or fruit juice. If s/he's insistent on getting an alcoholic drink, you can claim that it contains vodka. Chances are s/he won't even notice, especially if you're distracting him/her in other ways such as talking or watching TV together. Don't give the person coffee. Coffee can further dehydrate a person and irritate the stomach, which an already drunk person doesn't need to deal with.

What do you do once you have got them away from drink? Do not leave someone who is very drunk to fall asleep alone. Stay in the room with him/her. Watch a film or TV, read a book, or clean up after the party, but keep her/him in the room with you. If you cant take him/her home, ensure a responsible person will do the same. If you can't be with him, or you can't be sure someone else will keep an eye out for him/her, get on the phone to someone you know who will care enough to do this, such as a parent, guardian, sibling, or friend.

Looking after a drunk friend. Check regularly to ensure the intoxicated person responds to being stirred. Say his/her name loudly, ask him/her firmly to open their eyes, prod him/her and look for a response. Watch the chest or abdomen for breathing movements. A rate of 12- 20 breaths per minute is normal. Make them comfortable and warm Get a bucket Remove any shoes and belts Encourage them to drink water.

BUT remember: Look for signs of alcohol poisoning. If breathing becomes slow (8 breaths per minute or less or irregular with 10 seconds or more between each breath), and the person is unresponsive to being prodded and pinched firmly, this suggests alcohol poisoning. Other possible signs include: Passed out– unconscious or semi-conscious, cannot be awakened Blue lips and fingertips Dehydrated Rapid pulse Vomiting while asleep and not waking up even when vomiting Cold clammy hands/ feet.

Serious cases Unresponsive . Get medical help if your friend can’t stay awake, has vomited a lot and has been injured, especially if they have a head injury. If your friend needs medical help, consider calling an ambulance. Other options include minor injuries units, walk-in centres, NHS 111, chemists, or you can make your own way to hospital. (Be aware you won’t be seen any faster if you arrive at a hospital in an ambulance with a friend who has drunk too much).

REALLY SERIOUS. When you call 999, the call taker will talk through what to do for your friend and stay on the phone before an ambulance arrives. Advice about what you should do is different depending on how your friend is doing. But your friend should be lying on their side, kept warm, perhaps with a jacket over them. You should also stay with them to monitor them. DON’T move your friend from where they are, pour water into their mouth or over them to try and wake them up.

If you have to leave them to get help. Put them in the recovery position

Preventative tips. Get to grips with the low risk alcohol unit guidelines.Two pints of 4% strength beer puts a man over the lower risk unit guidelines. And three 20ml measures of 40% gin will put a woman close to the upper guideline limit. Track how many units you’re having. Set a spending limit. Allow yourself a set amount to spend on alcohol on an evening out so you don’t drink too much in a short space of time. Don’t drink before you leave home. ‘Pre-loading’ or drinking a lot at the start of the night often means cutting an evening short because you’re too tired – or ill – to stay out. If you are going to drink before going out, limit it to one pub standard measure.

Preventative tips. Eat up. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is never a good idea. If you know you are going to be drinking some alcohol, make sure you eat a substantial meal before to avoid any alcohol you do drink going straight to your head. Pace yourself. Make sure you drink at your own pace – you won’t win any prizes by keeping up with your mates, you’re more likely to lose out on a great night. Set the example by opting out of rounds and drinking water alongside any alcohol you do drink. Plan your journey home. You’re more likely to drink less if you know you’re getting the last bus or train, or have booked a taxi.

Common mistakes: Remember that alcohol affects everyone differently. Do not force food on the person. Don't try "sobering" tactics. Do not pour water over the person. Never leave a friend – hopefully they will return the favour