Alcohol and other drugs can worsen judgment, impulsivity, distress, and the ability to use a safety plan. Treat suicidal statements during intoxication as serious.
If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
What you can do now
Take these steps in order.
1
Do not leave an intoxicated person alone when suicide risk may be present.
2
Do not argue, shame, or rely on a promise that they will be safe.
3
Contact 988 for guidance and emergency services for immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or urgent medical needs.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“I am taking what you said seriously. I am staying with you while we contact support and make the area safer.”
Do not wait for sobriety to take concern seriously
A person may minimize the danger later, but statements and actions during intoxication still require a safety response. Bring in crisis or medical professionals.
Protect yourself too
Do not put yourself in physical danger. If the person is aggressive, medically unstable, driving, missing, or has access to danger, contact appropriate emergency help and share clear facts.
After the immediate crisis
Follow-up should address both suicide risk and substance use. Ask the treating team how intoxication changes the safety plan and who should be contacted if it happens again.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A licensed mental-health clinician with relevant clinical scope and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
Last editorial update
July 30, 2026
Review schedule
Initial qualified review required before broad promotion
Editorial status
Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A licensed mental-health clinician with relevant clinical scope and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
