Top Tips:
- Privately check-in with a simple question such as, “Are you okay?” or “Do you want to leave?”
- Do not leave an impaired or distressed friend by themselves or let them leave with an unknown person
- Offer specific options such as calling a trusted person, arranging transportation, or accompanying them to a safer place
- Use distraction if direct intervention could escalate the situation, such as asking your friend to help you with something elsewhere
- Ask other trusted people for assistance rather than intervening alone
- If you suspect alcohol poisoning or an overdose, call emergency services immediately; do not assume sleeping will resolve a possible overdose and do not use coffee, cold showers, walking, or vomiting as substitutes for medical help