How to Deal with a Drunken Friend or Date

Avoid confrontation.
You realize your friend is drunk, but he might not believe it. Keep the conversation light and happy, but don’t let him have any more to drink. Suggest a change of plans, like a walk outside.
Keep her on her feet.
Support her as needed. Put your arm around her waist, putting her arm over your shoulder. If that doesn’t work, try holding her up by the belt or waist of her pans. If you cannot hold her upright, keep her seated and call a taxi or an Uber.
Lead him out into the air.
Bars are often smoky and short of oxygen, and oxygen is a major factor in reducing drunkenness. Calmly walk your friend outside to get some fresh air into his lungs. This may help him become more awake and aware. If he objects, say you need to go outside to make a phone call.
Encourage her to vomit.
If your date is so drunk that she cannot walk, or if she is speaking unintelligibly, she should expel alcohol from her system. Vomiting purges the stomach and prevents more alcohol from entering the bloodstream. Make sure she rehydrates after purging. If she falls to the floor and passes out, roll her onto her side to prevent her from choking on her vomit.
Watch for alcohol poisoning.
Signs of alcohol poisoning include tremors, unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, and lack of breathing. If you suspect alcohol poisoning, position your friend on his side, stay with him, and have someone call 911 for assistance.
Help her sober up.

Be Aware

Common “cures” for drunkenness such as coffee or a cold shower are generally not effective; they will simply produce a more awake or wet drunk.
Your body burns off approximately one drink an hour. It makes little difference if your drink is a 1-ounce shot of whiskey, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 12-ounce mug of beer—all contain similar amounts of alcohol. If you consume more than one drink per hour, you run the risk of becoming intoxicated. To minimize dehydration, drink a glass of water between rounds.
If your drunk date goes to the restroom, stand outside and keep talking to him to be sure he remains conscious and responsive.