Recoverly organisation toolkit
Helping a friend who drinks too much: a guide for students
You are not their counsellor and you cannot make them stop. You can be a kind, steady friend and help them find real help.
If it is an emergency, act now
- Passed out and cannot be woken, vomiting while drowsy, very slow breathing, a seizure, or confusion: call 112. Stay with them, turn them on their side, and do not leave them alone.
- They talk about hurting themselves: stay, listen, and call Tele-MANAS 14416 or 112 with them. Tell a warden or an adult you trust.
Noticing
- Missing classes, mood swings, drinking alone or in the morning, money trouble, hiding it, or hurting themselves or others.
- You do not need proof. You only need to care.
What to say
- Pick a calm, private moment when they are sober.
- Say 'I care about you and I have noticed...' and describe what you saw. Avoid 'you always' and labels.
- Listen more than you talk. Ask 'What would help?'
- Offer to come along to a counsellor, doctor or warden, or to look at help together.
What not to do
- Do not dare them, shame them, or tell the whole group.
- Do not cover for them again and again, or drink with them to 'keep an eye'.
- Do not tell a heavy drinker to quit suddenly: it can be dangerous. A doctor should guide it (read why).
Look after yourself
- It is hard to carry alone. Talk to a trusted adult, your campus counsellor, or Tele-MANAS 14416. The guide to helping someone who drinks is free.