Alcohol - signs of intoxication

Question 1

Physical

Answer 1

Physical signs of intoxication are based on changes in an individual’s appearance, movements, and vital signs.

Question 1

Social

Answer 1

Social signs of intoxication are based on how an individual interacts with you and others.

Question 2

Mental/cognitive

Answer 2

Mental/cognitive signs of intoxication are based on an individual’s loss of self-control and inhibitions, loss of memory, and a decreasing ability to make good decisions.

Question 3

physical symptoms

Answer 3

Change in vital signs and physical appearance:

Breathing is noticeably slower/shallower
Excessive sweating; may smell of alcohol and/or cannabis
The face is flushed/red face
Eyes are red/glassy/expressionless
Pupils are dilated

Change in energy:

Looking tired; sleepy; passing out
Loss of hand-eye coordination:

Unable to pick up change
Spilling or knocking over drinks
Fumbling with phone

Loss of motor control and balance:

Unable to sit straight in a chair
Swaying; stumbling; bumping into things
Holding onto chairs or tables for support
Falling down; holding out arms for balance
Difficulty walking in a straight line or moving around objects

Question 4

Social symptoms

Answer 4

Change in social interactions:

Being overly friendly and starting conversations with strangers
Buying a round of drinks for strangers
Being argumentative
Becoming aggressive
Making sexual advances
Annoying other guests

Question 5

Mental/cognitive symptoms

Answer 5

Change in speech:

Speaking louder than necessary
Slurring words
Using foul language
Talking too slow, too fast, or both

Loss of memory:

Leaving a drink on a table or bar and then ordering another
Forgetting where they are, or where they came from
Forgetting names
Repeating stories, jokes, or conversations

Decrease in alertness:

Slower response to questions
Losing train of thought; lacking concentration
Unable to do simple calculations (for example, paying the bill)

Loss of self-control and inhibitions:

Drinking faster
Becoming animated and boisterous
Talking to strangers
Complaining about the price of drinks, or how they’re made
Making irrational statements

Making poor decisions:

Being careless with money
Ordering two drinks at a time, or ordering doubles
Wanting to drive while intoxicated