Intoxication Flashcards
What is intoxication?
a state in which a person’s normal capacity to think, act and move is impaired by alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drugs.
What are the PHYSICAL signs of intoxication?
Change in vital signs and physical appearance
∙∙∙ Breathing slower/shallower
∙∙∙ Excessive sweating; may smell of alcohol and/or cannabis
∙∙∙ Flushed/red face
∙∙∙ Eyes are red/glassy/expressionless
∙∙∙ Pupils are dilated
Change in energy:
∙∙∙ Sleepy; passing out
Loss of hand-eye coordination:
∙∙∙ Unable to pick up change
∙∙∙ Spilling or knocking over drinks
∙∙∙ Fumbling with phone
Loss of motor control and balance:
∙∙∙ Unable to sit straight in a chair
∙∙∙ Swaying; stumbling; bumping into things
∙∙∙ Holding onto chairs or tables for support
∙∙∙ Falling down; holding out arms for balance
∙∙∙ Difficulty walking in a straight line or moving around objects
What are the MENTAL/COGNITIVE signs of intoxication?
Change in speech: ∙∙∙ Speaking louder than necessary ∙∙∙ Slurring words ∙∙∙ Using foul language ∙∙∙ Talking too slow, too fast, or both
Loss of memory:
∙∙∙ Leaving a drink on a table or bar and then ordering another
∙∙∙ Forgetting where they are, or where they came from
∙∙∙ Forgetting names
∙∙∙ Repeating stories, jokes, or conversations
Decrease in alertness:
∙∙∙ Slower response to questions
∙∙∙ Losing train of thought; lacking concentration
∙∙∙ Unable to do simple calculations (for example, paying the bill)
Loss of self-control and inhibitions: ∙∙∙ Drinking faster ∙∙∙ Becoming animated and boisterous ∙∙∙ Talking to strangers ∙∙∙ Complaining about the price of drinks, or how they’re made ∙∙∙ Making irrational statements
Making poor decisions:
∙∙∙ Being careless with money
∙∙∙ Ordering two drinks at a time, or ordering doubles
∙∙∙ Wanting to drive while intoxicated
What are the SOCIAL signs of intoxication?
Change in social interactions: ∙∙∙ Being overly friendly and starting conversations with strangers ∙∙∙ Buying a round of drinks for strangers ∙∙∙ Being argumentative ... Becoming aggressive ∙∙∙ Making sexual advances ∙∙∙ Annoying other guests
What are the PHYSICAL signs of intoxication based on?
Physical signs of intoxication are based on
changes in an individual’s appearance,
movements, and vital signs.
What are the MENTAL/COGNITIVE signs of intoxication based on?
Mental/cognitive signs of intoxication are
based on an individual’s loss of self-control
and inhibitions, loss of memory, and a
decreasing ability to make good decisions
What are the SOCIAL signs of intoxication based on?
Social signs of intoxication are based on how
an individual interacts with you and others.
What is the TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM?
A traffic light system of “red, yellow and green” is helpful in determining whether or not it is safe to serve your customers.
Why do we use the TLS?
Because counting drinks is not always a realistic way to judge a customer’s level of intoxication, especially if they have been drinking or using drugs before they enter your
workplace
What does RED mean in the TLS?
STOP. Assess your customer and choose RED if they are showing multiple signs of intoxication. This customer cannot be served
alcohol. You are responsible for an intoxicated customer until he or she is sober again and you will need to take steps to
ensure their safety. (BAC 0.08 or more)
What does YELLOW mean in the TLS?
CAUTION/SLOW DOWN. Assess your customer and choose YELLOW if the customer is beginning to show signs of intoxication. (BAC more than 0.05)
What does GREEN mean in the TLS?
GO. Assess your customer and choose GREEN if the customer is showing no signs of intoxication. At this rating, the customer is
likely to have a BAC level of 0.05 or less and can be served alcohol.
