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Stay with her and get medical help promptly
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Stay with her and get medical help. Do not wait to be sure. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.
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You are at a party with your friend Jess. She has had one drink, about half an hour ago, and she was fine until a few minutes ago.
Your friend becomes unusually confused and dizzy after very little alcohol.
What should you do?
- Stay with her and get medical help promptly.
- Leave her in a room to sleep it off.
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Stay with her and get medical help promptly.
Do not guess the cause or leave her alone. Tell the medical team if you suspect drink spiking. Unexpected dizziness, confusion, or impairment warrants prompt help. If someone cannot be awakened, has a seizure, or has slow or irregular breathing, call 911 immediately.
Your next step
Stay with her and get medical help. Do not wait to be sure.
Words you can use
“Something feels wrong. Stay with me.”
Sources: NIH / NIAAA
Questions about “Something feels wrong.”
Why is it important to stay with a friend who gets unexpectedly confused after one drink?
Staying with your friend keeps her safe because her symptoms can worsen quickly and leaving her alone puts her at risk of severe harm or medical complications. An impaired person's condition can deteriorate without warning, so remaining by her side allows you to monitor her safety and get emergency responders to her immediately if she stops responding.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
How can I tell my friend I am staying to help her?
You can support your friend by plainly stating, "Something feels wrong. Stay with me." Speaking in a calm, clear voice helps reassure her that she is not alone while you assess her condition and arrange for prompt medical assistance.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
What should I do if my friend's condition rapidly gets worse or she stops responding?
Call 911 immediately if your friend cannot be awakened, has a seizure, or develops slow or irregular breathing. Do not wait for symptoms to clear on their own or delay seeking emergency medical care when someone shows severe signs of physical distress.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
How can I support my friend when speaking to the medical team after the incident?
Help your friend by telling the responding medical team everything you noticed, including if you suspect her drink was spiked or if her reaction was unusual for the amount consumed. Informing healthcare providers about the timeline and symptoms gives them the crucial details needed to treat her safely and effectively.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
Last updated October 11, 2026.