Urgent help
Alcohol poisoning, severe withdrawal, seizures, collapse and serious confusion can be life-threatening. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Call 999 now Do not wait if someone may be seriously ill or in immediate danger.
They cannot be woken or are losing consciousness.
They have a seizure.
They collapse.
Breathing is very slow, irregular or abnormal.
They are severely confused or hallucinating.
Their condition is getting rapidly worse.
Suspected alcohol poisoning A person who has drunk heavily and cannot be properly woken may need emergency treatment.
Warning signs include being unable to wake properly, vomiting while very drowsy or unconscious, seizures, collapse and slow or abnormal breathing.
Call 999. Do not leave an unconscious person alone. If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position if you can do so safely. Do not give coffee, put them in a cold shower or try to make them vomit.
Suspected alcohol poisoning — 999Call What alcohol does to the body and brain→Severe alcohol withdrawal Seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens are medical emergencies.
Severe withdrawal can happen when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or cuts down sharply. Symptoms can include severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures and collapse.
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Do not try to manage severe withdrawal at home.
Seizure, collapse, severe confusion or hallucinations — 999Call Read about detox and withdrawal→Urgent but not life-threatening If someone needs medical advice quickly but is not in immediate danger, call NHS 24 on 111.
Call 111 when a GP is closed and the problem cannot safely wait, including worsening withdrawal symptoms or other urgent alcohol-related health problems.
NHS 24 — 111CallIf someone is suicidal or may harm themselves Alcohol can make an already dangerous situation more unpredictable.
If there is immediate danger, someone has seriously harmed themselves, or you believe they may act on suicidal thoughts now, call 999.
If the situation is urgent but not an immediate emergency, NHS 24 can be reached on 111. Samaritans is available 24 hours a day for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Immediate danger — 999Call NHS 24 — 111Call Samaritans — 116 123CallIf you feel unsafe because of someone else's drinking You do not have to stay in a dangerous situation because alcohol is involved.
Alcohol does not excuse violence, threats or abuse. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline can also provide confidential advice and support.
Immediate danger — 999Call Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline — 0800 027 1234Call Help for families and friends→If a child is at risk A child should not be responsible for managing a drunken adult or keeping the household safe.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are worried about a child but it is not an emergency, you can contact the NSPCC or Children First for advice.
Immediate danger — 999Call NSPCC — adults worried about a child — 0808 800 5000Call Children First — 08000 28 22 33Call Read about children and families→Emotional support when it is not an emergency If you are overwhelmed, frightened or struggling to cope, you can speak to someone now.
Breathing Space is for people in Scotland aged 16 or over who are feeling low, anxious or depressed. It is open Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 2am and from Friday 6pm until Monday 6am. Samaritans is available 24 hours a day.
Breathing Space — 0800 83 85 87Call Samaritans — 116 123CallAfter the immediate crisis Once everyone is safe, the drinking problem still needs attention.
An emergency may be the point at which someone first reaches treatment. Ask the hospital, GP or alcohol service what follow-up is needed and what support is available after discharge.
Getting help→ What happens when you ask for help→ Find local alcohol and drug services in Scotland↗