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Life-threatening levels of intoxication

CALL 911 or Harvard University Police (617.495.1212) for any warning signs of life-threatening levels of intoxication:

  • person has passed out, or is asleep and cannot be aroused, or can only be slightly aroused for a few moments
  • person's breathing is very slow, and perhaps irregular
  • person's pulse is weak, or is either very slow or very fast
  • person is vomiting
  • skin under fingernails is blue


Does and Dont's of dealing with a person with signs of life-threatening levels of intoxication.

Do's

  • Do call 9ll and HUPD (Harvard University Police Dept.) at 617.495.1212 if you see ANY warning signs of drug or alcohol intoxication.
  • Do position a drunk person on his/her side or stomach if he/she goes to bed, or passes out. Be sure the person is not lying on his/her back because if someone vomits, he/she could choke and suffocate.
  • Do keep the person from driving, biking , or transporting himself/herself anywhere alone.
  • Do keep your distance if the person gets agitated.
  • Some people who are usually very gentle-natured may become violent when intoxicated.
  • Do talk to the person about his/her behavior under the influence of alcohol later on, in a private place. Don't be surprised if you encounter denial or irritation.
  • Do contact Harvard University's Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Services (617.496.0133) at 7 Linden St. Cambridge if you want additional resources on drugs or alcohol.

Don'ts

  • Don't leave the person alone. An intoxicated person is not safe alone.
  • Don't give any drugs or medication to the person to try to sober him/her up. (Not even aspirin!)
  • Don't give the person food in attempts to "absorb the alcohol." This will  increase will increase the risk of vomiting.
  • Don't give the person coffee, tea, or other liquid stimulants. You'll just hare a wide-awake, agitated drunk person.
  • Don't give the person a cold shower. He/she could fall, or pass out and be injured in the process.
  • Don't try to exercise the person in hopes of "burning off the booze." This would dl not help, and could cause injuries.
  • Don't feel you can handle it alone. Contact HUHS at 617.495.5711 for confidential help.