What to do right now
Inability to wake up after drinking is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate professional help1. An impaired person's condition can deteriorate rapidly without warning [1, 2].
Do not leave your friend alone or wait for them to show every sign of an alcohol overdose [1, 2]. Take action immediately to ensure emergency responders arrive as fast as possible1.
- Call 911 immediately and state your location clearly [1, 2].
- Tell the dispatcher that your friend cannot be awakened and describe their breathing1.
- If they are unconscious but breathing, gently roll them onto their side to keep their airway clear [1, 2].
- Stay right beside your friend and follow all instructions from the 911 dispatcher until medical help arrives [1, 2].
Words you can use to get emergency help
You do not need precise medical terminology when calling for help1. Describe exactly what you observe in plain words so the dispatcher can guide you through the next physical steps [1, 2].
- To the 911 dispatcher: "I need an ambulance. My friend cannot be awakened and their breathing is irregular. We are at [your exact location]."1
- To someone nearby: "Call 911. They are hard to wake."1
- To your friend before they lose consciousness: "Something feels wrong. Stay with me."
Why home remedies do not work
Trying to wake someone up with home remedies is dangerous and ineffective [1, 2]. Alcohol overdose affects the nervous system, and popular quick fixes cannot reverse the physical impairment [1, 2].
Giving someone coffee, food, or more alcohol will not sober them up or lower their blood alcohol level [1, 2]. Putting an unconscious person in a cold shower carries serious risks, including choking or sudden shock [1, 2]. The only thing that helps an alcohol overdose is time and professional medical care [1, 2].
| Action | Is it safe? | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Letting them sleep it off | Dangerous | Call 911 immediately. Blood alcohol levels can continue to rise while sleeping [1, 2]. |
| Giving coffee or food | Dangerous | Do not give food or drink. Call 911 and wait for responders [1, 2]. |
| Putting them in a cold shower | Dangerous | Keep them safe on their side on the floor so they do not fall or choke [1, 2]. |
| Rolling them onto their side | Safe | Roll them onto their side to maintain an open airway while waiting for help [1, 2]. |
What to do while waiting for medical help
Remain calm and stay right next to your friend [1, 2]. Keep monitoring their breathing and physical state constantly so you can report any changes to the emergency dispatcher1.
When the medical team arrives, tell them everything you know about the situation2. Share how much your friend drank, how quickly their condition changed, and if you suspect their drink was spiked or tampered with2.
Sources
Written by Surefoot from the sources listed and reviewed before publishing. It is education, not medical or legal advice. If someone is in danger now, call 911.
Last updated October 13, 2026.