Student Health Services - The University of Iowa

Intoxication

When People are Intoxicated:

  • Monitor their breathing--if breathing stops, call 911 and do rescue breathing or CPR as indicated.
  • Don't leave them alone. The blood alcohol level may continue to rise, so observe them closely.
  • Position them on their sides to prevent them from choking on vomitus.
  • If they do not respond verbally or can make only sounds-- call 911.

How to Avoid a Hangover:

  • Don't drink alcohol.
  • Eat before drinking.
  • Limit drinks to one per hour. (One drink = 12-oz. can of beer, or 4-oz. glass of wine, or 1-oz. hard liquor in a shot or mixed drink)
  • Be aware of the amount you drink and the amount of alcohol in your drink.
  • Don't drink shots.

Some Signs of Problem Drinking:

  • Drinking interferes with academics, friendships, finances, or life goals.
  • You feel irritated when someone talks to you about your drinking.
  • You think frequently about drinking.
  • You experience bad consequences after drinking; e.g., arrest, blackouts, arguments with friends, anxiety over drinking behavior.

If you're worried about your own or a friend's drinking:

  • See whether Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings in your community.