In The Know Zone

How to Tell if Someone is Drunk

When is someone really "drunk"?

There are different ways to measure if a person is drunk. The noticeable signs of drunkenness and the dangerous physical effects of drunkenness grow worse as a person drinks more. Some of the signs and effects of drunkenness are:

  • Feeling of well-being and relaxation.
  • Lower inhibitions (doing or saying things you otherwise would not.)
  • Sensation of warmth.
  • Lowering of caution.
  • Loss of fine motor coordination.
  • Inability to drive a car or do complex tasks.
  • Slurred speech; too-loud or too-fast speech.
  • Lowered reasoning ability.
  • Weakened balance.
  • Loose muscle tone.
  • Slower reaction times.
  • Staggering walk or inability to walk.
  • Glossy appearance to eyes.
  • Blurry or double vision.
  • Weakened sense of hearing.
  • Loss of memory (short- and long-term.)
  • Skin may be cool to the touch (but the drinker may feel warm.)
  • Heavy sweating.
  • Dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness.)
  • Total mental confusion.
  • Slower pupil response. After more drinks: pupils constricted.
  • Slowed heart rate.
  • Slowed breathing rate.
  • Reduced blood pressure.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of consciousness.

In The Know: Substance Abuse Pamphlet/ DVD Package
In the Know: Alcohol, Straight Facts, Serious Dangers Pamphlet
In The Know: Substance Abuse DVD Package