Signs of Intoxication Flashcards

What is the significance of noticing changes in a customer's volume of speech?

Answer: Progressively louder speech can be an early indicator of intoxication as alcohol reduces self-awareness

As intoxication increases, people often become progressively louder because alcohol reduces self-awareness and the ability to regulate voice volume. This is often one of the first noticeable signs.

What does 'loss of inhibition' mean as a sign of intoxication?

Answer: A reduction in self-restraint leading to behaviour the person would normally suppress

Loss of inhibition means a person loses their normal self-restraint and may say or do things they would normally suppress, such as making inappropriate comments, being overly flirtatious, or engaging in risky behaviour.

How might intoxication affect a person's ability to walk?

Answer: They may stagger, sway, bump into objects, or have difficulty maintaining balance

Alcohol affects the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. Intoxicated persons may stagger, sway, use walls or furniture for support, or have difficulty walking in a straight line.

What is 'increased tolerance' and how does it complicate recognizing intoxication?

Answer: Regular drinkers may not show typical signs at lower BAC levels, making it harder to identify when they are legally impaired

People who drink regularly develop tolerance, meaning they may not show obvious signs of intoxication even at BAC levels where they are legally impaired. This makes assessment more challenging for servers.

Which of the following combinations of signs would most strongly suggest a customer is intoxicated?

Answer: Slurred speech, fumbling with money, and becoming argumentative

Multiple simultaneous signs such as slurred speech (physical), fumbling with money (loss of fine motor skills), and becoming argumentative (behavioural change) strongly indicate intoxication.

Why might a person who appears sober still be significantly impaired?

Answer: High tolerance, medications, or the delayed effects of recently consumed alcohol can mask impairment

Factors like high tolerance, prescription medications that interact with alcohol, or alcohol that has not yet been fully absorbed can result in a person who appears sober but is actually significantly impaired.