Signs of Intoxication Flashcards

What is the 'green, yellow, red' system used for in responsible service training?

Answer: A traffic light model where green means sober, yellow means approaching intoxication, and red means intoxicated and service must stop

The traffic light system is a practical framework: green (sober, continue monitoring), yellow (showing early signs, increase monitoring and slow service), red (intoxicated, stop service and arrange safe transportation).

What sign of intoxication relates to a person's self-awareness?

Answer: Decreased self-awareness shown by not noticing spills on themselves, food on their face, or disheveled appearance

As intoxication increases, self-awareness decreases. A person may not notice they have spilled a drink on themselves, have food on their face, or that their appearance has become disheveled.

Why is it important to consider the rate of consumption when assessing intoxication?

Answer: Rapid consumption means alcohol is entering the body faster than it can be metabolized, increasing the risk of sudden severe intoxication

The body can only metabolize approximately one standard drink per hour. Rapid consumption causes alcohol to accumulate in the bloodstream faster, potentially leading to sudden and severe intoxication.

What does it mean when a customer begins making uncharacteristically aggressive or rude comments?

Answer: This behavioural change from their earlier demeanour may indicate progressing intoxication affecting their judgment and impulse control

A shift from polite to aggressive or rude behaviour is a significant sign of intoxication. Alcohol reduces impulse control and social filtering, causing people to express thoughts they would normally suppress.

What physical sign involves changes in facial appearance that may indicate intoxication?

Answer: Flushed or reddened face, sweating, drooping eyelids, or slack facial muscles

Intoxication can cause facial flushing due to vasodilation, excessive sweating, drooping eyelids from muscle relaxation, and overall slack facial muscles that may give a 'blank' or dull expression.

How can group dynamics affect the ability to assess individual intoxication?

Answer: In groups, intoxicated behaviour may be masked by the social energy, or sober members may help hide signs of a friend's intoxication

Group settings can make it harder to assess individual intoxication because loud group dynamics can mask individual behavioural changes, and friends may cover for each other or encourage continued drinking.