How to Approach a Friend Who Is Too Drunk to Drive

One of the hardest things to do is approach a friend who is trying to drive drunk. But your intervention can save lives. Here's how to go about it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Try the direct approach. This will probably not work with a friend who is very drunk, but it can't hurt. Ask for your friend's keys and offer to drive or call a cab. Sometimes it just takes someone pointing out the obvious for the person to admit the problem.

2. Offer a diversion. Suggest you grab a bite to eat before heading home. This works best if there is a place to get food within walking distance, but if not, offer to drive. The food may sober your friend up, or at least provide you more time to convince him not to drive home.

3. Keep things light. Avoid accusations and arguments, and use humor to get your hands on the car keys. This will keep the situation from turning ugly.

4. Sneak the keys away. If all else fails, just take the keys when your friend is not looking. The driver will probably just think the keys were lost and eventually give up looking.

5. Suggest your friend attend a treatment program if his or her drunken driving is part of a pattern. The American Council on Alcoholism offers local programs across the United States (see Resources below). You must do this when you are both sober, and remember to be a good listener if your friend wants to discuss the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people may be too drunk to drive with a much lower BAC than is legal. Use your best judgment when dealing with friends: If they look too drunk to drive, they probably are too drunk to drive.