ling with people who are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can be a real challenge and can sometimes be dangerous. People who are under the influence may be more aggressive than normal, may be resistant to authority, may have lost their ability to reason or to act responsibly, and/or may exhibit immature behavior.
There will be times when it becomes necessary to deal with the actions of intoxicated people and to control a difficult situation. It can be helpful to think about what you would do in these situations.
Use Assertive Communication Techniques
- Stay calm;
- Use firmness and state your requests with authority;
- Use non-threatening words & tone (avoid derogatory words like "drunk");
- Show concern for the safety and comfort of the intoxicated person;
- Use "Deflection" by offering alternatives such as non-alcoholic drinks & food;
- Repeat decisions and statements like a "broken record";
- Don't argue or offer resistance to verbal assault, use "fogging techniques" - agreeing with the possibility of what the person is saying;
- Look for a "workable compromise" and make a reasonable agreement;
- Call Campus Police at 232-2222 or call 9-911 if the situation deteriorates.
Rules for Personal Safety
- Protect yourself with distance, avoid being surrounded and maintain an open line of flight;
- Never physically engage the person you are confronting;
- Never argue with an intoxicated person, arguing is useless and may lead to a physical confrontation;
- Never agree to meet the intoxicated person elsewhere or outside;
- If your physical safety is threatened, call for assistance.
Document the Incident
- To protect yourself from liability claims on an emergency situation
that you took action on, carefully document the situation, writing everything
you remember about the incident.
Reference: UW-Stevens Point, Student Reaction Team Training Manual.