How to Handle a Drunk Teen

Stay Calm

Seeing our teenager in a drunken state can cause us to feel many different emotions. We might feel frightened, annoyed, or even angry. Whatever we're experiencing emotionally, it's important to stay calm and in control while dealing with them.

When a teen is drunk, they are in a vulnerable state, both physically and mentally. Despite not being very happy with their decisions at the moment, they need our care and concern at this time.

Find Out How Much the Teen Has Had to Drink

Young people can appear very drunk after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol because they have a very low tolerance for this drug. However, if the teen has drunk more alcohol than their body can handle, they may be at risk of alcohol poisoning.

If they can speak, try to find out how much they've had to drink in a way that will encourage them to be honest about the amount. Just be aware that most people underestimate how much alcohol they have consumed, especially in home-poured drinks.

The teen's companions or the establishment where they were drinking may also provide an idea of how much they've consumed. We can also use a blood alcohol concentration estimate to evaluate the teen's level of intoxication based on their body weight.

Get Medical Help If Necessary

Take the teen to the emergency room if:

• They have had a fall or sustained any other injuries.
• They have—or you think they may have—taken other drugs, including prescription medication.
• They have lost consciousness (passed out or blacked out) at any point since starting drinking.
• They or someone else indicates that they may have just consumed strong alcoholic beverages, such as vodka or whiskey, as they may become more intoxicated.
• They are unable to speak or are incoherent.
• They have vomited, as this is their body's first line of defense against overdose.

Call the Police If Violence Erupts

The risk of family violence increases with alcohol use. If the drunk teen becomes threatening or violent to people or property, call the police immediately.

Calling the police is also advised if another person present becomes violent toward the child, even if that person is the other parent. This kind of situation can quickly escalate, making it important to diffuse it as fast as possible.

Rehydrate the Teen

Encourage the teen to slowly sip water to rehydrate. At the same, be prepared that this may induce vomiting in a drunk teen. If they vomit, take them to the emergency room for treatment.

Keep a Drunk Teenager Awake

One of the greatest risks of drinking to the point of getting drunk is asphyxiation from vomiting during sleep. It may seem counter-intuitive to keep a drunk teen awake, but it is the safest thing to do.

If the teen has taken drinks within the past few minutes, their blood alcohol content could be going up versus coming down. If they appear to be becoming more intoxicated as time goes on, take them to the emergency room.

Put the Teen in the Recovery Position

If the teen is too drunk to stand or taking them to the emergency room isn't an option, put them in the recovery position (on their side) and call an ambulance.

If they have sobered up and it feels safe for them to go to bed, make sure they go to sleep in the recovery position. This way, if they vomit during the night, they are less likely to inhale the vomit.