Getting Home Safely When Friends Have Been Drinking
The person who drove you to a party has been drinking. Everyone is gathering their things, and someone says the journey is only ten minutes. You can refuse the ride without proving how impaired the driver is. Your next job is to find a safer place to wait and contact someone who can help.
Decide on a backup before leaving home
Save two people you can call for help. Ask whether they can collect you and what to do if they miss the call. A parent, relative or another trusted adult is often the most straightforward option for a teenager. Keep enough battery to make the call, and carry the address of the event.
If a paid ride is part of the plan, check service availability, cost and age rules beforehand. Some services require an adult account or have specific arrangements for teens. Do the checking while you have time and another safe option. Agree with friends that everyone can change the transport plan if the original driver drinks.
Use a short refusal and make the call
You could say, “I'm getting another ride. You’ve been drinking.” If someone argues, repeat your decision and contact your backup. You don’t have to calculate drinks, debate tolerance or accept a demonstration of driving ability. NHTSA advises teens to decline a ride when they suspect the driver has been drinking or using drugs.
A useful call gives the adult enough information to act. “I'm at 18 Pine Street. My ride has been drinking. Can you collect me? I'll wait inside by the front desk.” This is sample wording, so replace the address and waiting point. If that person cannot help, try your second contact or ask a responsible host for assistance.
Wait somewhere safe and check the arriving ride
Stay inside a staffed venue if you can, or choose a well-lit place away from traffic where a vehicle can stop safely. Keep a trusted person updated about where you are. Avoid getting into an unsolicited car that stops to offer help. If you feel threatened, seek venue staff, a trusted adult or emergency assistance.
For a booked ride, check the vehicle, license plate and driver against the app before getting in. Wear your seat belt. NHTSA’s advice also warns against cycling or using a scooter while impaired. A long walk beside traffic after drinking creates additional danger. Ask for help arranging suitable transport.
Help a friend without taking on a dangerous confrontation
Offer to call a sober adult for your friend and wait together in a safe place. Ask the host or staff to help if someone intends to drive impaired. Avoid physically fighting over keys or putting yourself in danger. If an impaired person is driving or about to create immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
If a person is difficult to wake, has seizures or has slow or irregular breathing after drinking, call 911 in the United States, or the local emergency number elsewhere. Stay with them if safe and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. NIAAA advises against leaving an intoxicated person alone or relying on coffee to reverse an overdose.
For a family conversation before the next event, Lawrence & Associates’ underage drinking and driving prevention guide discusses parental communication and transport alternatives. Its legal discussion is US-focused. The immediate ride decisions here follow NHTSA’s safe transport guidance and its teen driving advice. See NIAAA’s overdose guidance for emergency warning signs.
Medallions to consider
For readers marking their own AA sobriety anniversary, a chosen medallion can be a personal keepsake. Arrange transport and support first, then choose a gift separately.
Tricolor Jet Black Diamond Sparkle (1-50y)
The current selector lists 1 to 50 years. The catalog photo shows a sample inscription. Choose the confirmed milestone in the product selector.
Tricolor Jade Green (24h, 1-65y)
The current selector lists 24 Hours, 18 Months and 1 to 65 years. The catalog photo shows a sample inscription. Choose the confirmed milestone in the product selector.
Common questions
What if I am afraid of getting in trouble?
Use direct words about the immediate need. Tell a trusted adult where you are and that you need a safe ride. Parents can make this easier by agreeing on a pickup plan before an event.
Can the friend who drank least drive?
Choose someone who has stayed sober and is fit to drive. Comparing how much people drank does not establish that any of them can drive safely.
Keep reading
Browse Elite Medallions and Deluxe Coins to compare current designs and milestone options.
For the adult who answers the call, see what to say after your teen asks for a safe ride and how to agree on a backup together.
