Part 5 of 8

"What Should I Actually Watch For?"

You don't need a clinical checklist memorized — just these four patterns. Click or tap each card to see the concrete signs behind it.

🎚️

1. Losing Control of Amount or Timing

Tap to see the signs

The signs

  • Drinking more, or longer, than intended
  • Repeated attempts to cut back that don't stick
  • A lot of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from a substance
🌒

2. Life Narrowing Around the Substance

Tap to see the signs

The signs

  • Missed classes, falling grades, job trouble
  • Giving up activities they used to enjoy
  • Continuing despite clear damage to relationships
🌡️

3. Physical & Behavioral Flags

Tap to see the signs

The signs

  • Needing noticeably more for the same effect
  • Shakiness, sweating, nausea, or sleep trouble when not using
  • Memory blackouts, or using in risky situations (driving, unsafe sex)
🚨

4. Signs of a Medical Emergency

Tap to see the signs

Call for help now if you see:

  • Doesn't respond to being talked to, shouted at, or shaken
  • Can't stand up or won't wake up
  • Slow, irregular, or labored breathing
  • Bluish/pale or clammy skin
  • Vomiting while unresponsive
🚨 Worth repeating: alcohol poisoning is an emergency
  • Doesn't respond to being talked to, shouted at, or shaken
  • Can't stand up or won't wake up
  • Slow, irregular, or labored breathing
  • Skin looks bluish/pale or feels clammy
  • Vomiting while unresponsive
If you're only skimming this page, remember this box. Call for help immediately — never leave someone alone to "sleep it off."