Disclaimer

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Guidance

Dealing with drunken individuals can be challenging, as their behavior can be unpredictable and potentially volatile.

Here are some tips to help you handle such situations.

Identifying a drunk person

General flags for identifying a drunk person:

– Odor of alcohol.

– Slurred speech – drunk individuals may have difficulty articulating their words clearly, and their speech may be slower or mumbled.

– Lack of coordination and balance – alcohol can impair motor skills.

– Altered behavior and mood changes – increased talkativeness, loud or boisterous behavior, excessive laughter, aggression, or emotional volatility.

– Bloodshot or glassy eyes –  bloodshot or red eyes. The person’s eyes may also appear glazed or unfocused.

– Impaired judgment and decision-making – individuals may exhibit poor decision-making skills.

– Slowed reaction time.

Responding

If you cannot avoid a drunk or drug affected person who wants to engage with you, here are some options to consider.

Ensure your own safety

Prioritize your personal safety when dealing with intoxicated individuals.

If you feel threatened or in immediate danger, remove yourself from the situation and seek assistance from authorities or security personnel.

Stay calm and composed

It’s important to remain calm and composed when interacting with drunk individuals.

Keeping a level head can help de-escalate the situation and prevent further conflict.

Maintain a respectful distance

Give the intoxicated person some space and maintain a respectful distance.

Invading their personal space may increase agitation or provoke an aggressive response.

Speak calmly and assertively

Use a calm and assertive tone when communicating with the individual.

Be firm, but avoid aggressive or confrontational language. Speak clearly and try to keep your message simple and concise.

Avoid arguing or reasoning

Engaging in arguments or reasoning with an intoxicated person may be unproductive and escalate the situation.

Instead, focus on maintaining a calm presence and diffusing any potential conflicts.

Seek assistance from others

If the situation becomes unmanageable or if the person’s behavior is causing harm to themselves or others, seek help from friends, security personnel, or authorities.

It’s important not to try to handle the situation alone if you feel overwhelmed or unsafe.

Offer help or alternative solutions

If appropriate and if you feel comfortable doing so, you can offer assistance to the intoxicated person. This could include helping them find a sober friend or contacting a taxi or ride-sharing service to ensure they get home safely.

Avoid physical confrontation

Physical confrontation should be avoided whenever possible. It can escalate the situation and result in harm to both parties involved. If physical violence seems imminent, remove yourself from the situation and seek immediate help from authorities.

Remember, every situation is unique, and it’s crucial to prioritize personal safety.

If you’re unsure how to handle a specific situation involving an intoxicated person, seek guidance from professionals or authorities who are trained in dealing with such circumstances.