
How to Help a Friend
Signs that you should call for help
- Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (< 8 breaths/min)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature, bluish skin color, paleness)


Can I get in trouble for helping a friend with drugs or alcohol on campus?
At UCSC, health and safety come first and we want students to feel supported when things go wrong. If you believe that you or a friend need medical attention due to intoxication, be it from alcohol or other substances, and you seek help, a conduct record will not be generated for you or your friend. This applies even if you are underage and even if you were using other drugs. You might be required to have a chat with someone from the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Education, however nothing will go on your permanent record or jeopardize your standing with the university. For more on this, visit the Responsible Action Plan page.
The university has a similar policy for sexual violence and sexual assault reporting. The University will not discipline victims or witnesses for student conduct policy violations related to drugs and alcohol that occur around the time of sexual assault/violence. This also includes underage drinking. For more on this, visit page 11 of the policy. If you think you might have been drugged, visit this CARE page for info on how to get tested. If you want confidential support, contact CARE or Monarch Services at 1-888-900-4232 (this line is 24/7).
Remember, your health and safety are important and we don’t want fear of getting in trouble to stop anyone from asking for help.

What to do if someone has Alcohol poisoning
If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help (don’t try to guess the level of drunkenness). Be aware that a person who has passed out may die. Do not wait for all symptoms to be present. One symptom is reason enough to call for help.
Warning signs include
- Will not wake up or difficulties staying conscious
- Slow/irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths/minute)
- Seizures
- Vomiting while passed out
- Pale or blue skin
- Extreme confusion
What to do while you wait for help
If they appear unresponsive, place them in the recovery position (as shown) and immediately call 911. Do not leave them alone.


What happens to your body when you overdose on alcohol?
Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. It is common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious. Furthermore, a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off.
What can happen to someone with alcohol poisoning if they don’t receive treatment?
- Victim chokes on his or her own vomit
- Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar) leads to seizures
- Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death
- Even if the victim lives, an alcohol overdose can lead to irreversible brain damage
Rapid binge drinking (drinking games, chugging, doing shots) is especially risky because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious. Don’t be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Don’t worry that your friend may become angry or embarrassed – remember, you cared enough to help. Always be safe and look out for one another.
What to do if someone is overdosing on opioids
It may be hard to tell if someone is experiencing an overdose. If you are not sure, treat it like an overdose – you could save a life.

If you’re worried about a friend
It can be scary and frustrating to watch a friend using alcohol or drugs in a way that concerns you. You might feel ill-equipped to support them and unsure what to do. Here are some tips on how to approach the situation.
Take care of yourself
You can’t support others if you’re burning yourself out. Your physical, mental, and emotional health matter. If you’re neglecting yourself or feeling resentful toward your friend, it’s a disservice to both of you. Setting boundaries can be healthy. For example: “I want to be here for you, but I can’t be the only person you talk to. I feel overwhelmed. Let’s talk about other people or resources you can reach out to.”
It’s up to your friend to change
It’s your friend’s right to decide when and how to change their behavior—if at all. You can’t make them change. The only thing you can control is your response, and that can be hard to accept. Ultimately, the decision must come from them.
One thing you can do is listen. When someone is struggling, we often try to fix things or offer advice, but that might make them feel unheard (unless they ask for advice). Truly listening and showing that you understand can help them move toward solutions. Try reflecting back what they said: “What I hear you saying is…” or “It sounds like you feel [emotion]. Is that right?”
Change takes time
Think about a time you had to make a change or learn something new. It likely didn’t happen overnight. When people drink too much, use drugs to cope, or self-injure, they often haven’t learned other ways to manage yet. Even when they commit to change, they might struggle in unexpected moments. Be patient and encouraging. Ask how you can best support them.
When to seek outside help
Sometimes, you need to involve others. Signs a professional might be needed include:
- Your friend has a plan to hurt themselves or others, especially if they have the means or a set date
- A medical emergency, like an overdose
- Struggling with basic needs—like not eating, showering, or going to class
- You feel overwhelmed or like you’re the only person they’re turning to
- They’re making threats to hurt themselves if you don’t meet their demands
