Activity Overview
Recognizing the signs of an overdose can be a lifesaving skill for someone in need of help. Alcohol is one of the top drug choices for teens, making teens at high risk for over-consumption of alcohol. More readily available that other kinds of drugs and often done in secrecy by underage drinkers, teens may be hesitant to call for help and more likely to drink too much.
Combining binge drinking with inexperienced teens in unsupervised settings is a recipe for disaster. Learning how to recognize alcohol poisoning is a useful skill. In this activity, students will create a three cell storyboard explaining the signs of overdose, how to help, and what to do while waiting. This should be covered in class prior to the assessment, and students should not depict actual use of the drug.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
- Disorientation
- Cold and clammy hands
- Vomiting
- Low coordination
- Unconsciousness
- Unable to speak clearly
- Blue tinge to skin
- Low breathing and pulse rates
How to Get Help
- Call 911 immediately
- Get a trusted adult
What to do While Waiting for Help
- Stay with the individual
- Prevent choking by putting the person on their side or sitting them up
- Keep the person awake
- Offer them water if they can drink
- Inform them of what is happening to keep them calm
What NOT to do
- Do not feed the person, they may choke on the food
- Do not give the person more alcohol, stopping the intake of alcohol is important
- Do not give the person medication, mixing drugs may make it worse
- Do not give the person coffee, caffeine may dehydrate them further
- Do not ask them to walk it off, keep them sitting
- Do not put them in the shower, that may increase the risk of hypothermia
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of alcohol poisoning and how to get help by creating a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- List the titles of each box as ‘Overdose Signs’, ‘Getting Help’, and ‘What to Do’.
- In the description boxes, briefly explain what usually takes place during each step.
- In the overdose cell, create a visual with three examples of alcohol poisoning. In the description box list those three signs. Do not depict the actual use of the drug.
- In the ‘Getting Help’ cell description box, explain how to get help and illustrate and example in the cell.
- In the ‘What to Do’ description box, explain what someone should do while waiting for help and illustrate an example in the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure and Grammar | Three cells were used in the storyboard including titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Three cells were used in the storyboard including titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
| Overdose Signs | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone indicating three signs of alcohol poisoning. The description clearly explains the three signs. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone indicating three signs of alcohol poisoning. The descriptionlists the three signs. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text in the cells. The description does not list three different signs of alcohol poisoning. |
| Getting Help | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to show the most effective way to get someone help. The description reinforces the image created. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to show a way to get someone help. The description reinforces the image created. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to get someone help. The description does not reinforce the image created. |
| What to do | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey three ways someone could help an overdose victim while help arrives. The description clearly explains the three methods. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey three ways someone could help an overdose victim while help arrives. The description lists the three methods. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to get someone help. The description does not list three ways to assist someone while help arrives. |
Activity Overview
Recognizing the signs of an overdose can be a lifesaving skill for someone in need of help. Alcohol is one of the top drug choices for teens, making teens at high risk for over-consumption of alcohol. More readily available that other kinds of drugs and often done in secrecy by underage drinkers, teens may be hesitant to call for help and more likely to drink too much.
Combining binge drinking with inexperienced teens in unsupervised settings is a recipe for disaster. Learning how to recognize alcohol poisoning is a useful skill. In this activity, students will create a three cell storyboard explaining the signs of overdose, how to help, and what to do while waiting. This should be covered in class prior to the assessment, and students should not depict actual use of the drug.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
- Disorientation
- Cold and clammy hands
- Vomiting
- Low coordination
- Unconsciousness
- Unable to speak clearly
- Blue tinge to skin
- Low breathing and pulse rates
How to Get Help
- Call 911 immediately
- Get a trusted adult
What to do While Waiting for Help
- Stay with the individual
- Prevent choking by putting the person on their side or sitting them up
- Keep the person awake
- Offer them water if they can drink
- Inform them of what is happening to keep them calm
What NOT to do
- Do not feed the person, they may choke on the food
- Do not give the person more alcohol, stopping the intake of alcohol is important
- Do not give the person medication, mixing drugs may make it worse
- Do not give the person coffee, caffeine may dehydrate them further
- Do not ask them to walk it off, keep them sitting
- Do not put them in the shower, that may increase the risk of hypothermia
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of alcohol poisoning and how to get help by creating a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- List the titles of each box as ‘Overdose Signs’, ‘Getting Help’, and ‘What to Do’.
- In the description boxes, briefly explain what usually takes place during each step.
- In the overdose cell, create a visual with three examples of alcohol poisoning. In the description box list those three signs. Do not depict the actual use of the drug.
- In the ‘Getting Help’ cell description box, explain how to get help and illustrate and example in the cell.
- In the ‘What to Do’ description box, explain what someone should do while waiting for help and illustrate an example in the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure and Grammar | Three cells were used in the storyboard including titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Three cells were used in the storyboard including titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
| Overdose Signs | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone indicating three signs of alcohol poisoning. The description clearly explains the three signs. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone indicating three signs of alcohol poisoning. The descriptionlists the three signs. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text in the cells. The description does not list three different signs of alcohol poisoning. |
| Getting Help | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to show the most effective way to get someone help. The description reinforces the image created. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to show a way to get someone help. The description reinforces the image created. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to get someone help. The description does not reinforce the image created. |
| What to do | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey three ways someone could help an overdose victim while help arrives. The description clearly explains the three methods. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey three ways someone could help an overdose victim while help arrives. The description lists the three methods. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to get someone help. The description does not list three ways to assist someone while help arrives. |
How Tos about Alcohol Poisoning: Learn the Signs
Plan an engaging alcohol safety awareness lesson
Design a lesson that actively involves students in learning about alcohol safety. Use age-appropriate materials and interactive activities to make the information relatable and memorable. Connecting real-life scenarios helps students understand the importance of safe choices.
Introduce the topic with an anonymous class poll
Start your lesson by using an anonymous poll or question box to gauge what students already know about alcohol and its risks. This creates a safe space for honest answers and helps you tailor your discussion to address gaps in knowledge.
Facilitate a scenario-based group discussion
Present realistic scenarios involving alcohol poisoning and ask students to work in groups to identify warning signs and determine appropriate responses. Encouraging teamwork builds confidence in recognizing and reacting to emergencies.
Guide students to create informative posters
Assign students to make posters that highlight the signs of alcohol poisoning and what to do in an emergency. Visual aids reinforce learning and can be displayed around the classroom to keep the information visible.
Conclude with a role-play activity to practice response skills
Organize a brief role-play where students practice calling for help and supporting someone with alcohol poisoning. Hands-on practice boosts students’ confidence and preparedness for real-life situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alcohol Poisoning: Learn the Signs
What are the main signs of alcohol poisoning in teens?
Key signs of alcohol poisoning include disorientation, cold and clammy hands, vomiting, low coordination, unconsciousness, slurred or unclear speech, blue-tinged skin, and slow breathing or pulse. Recognizing these symptoms early can be lifesaving.
How should teachers respond if they suspect a student has alcohol poisoning?
If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately, stay with the student, keep them awake and on their side to prevent choking, and notify a trusted adult. Do not give food, more alcohol, medication, or coffee.
What steps can students take to help someone with alcohol poisoning while waiting for emergency help?
Stay with the individual, keep them awake if possible, offer water if they can drink, and place them on their side or sitting up. Inform them calmly about what is happening and prevent choking until help arrives.
What actions should be avoided when helping someone with alcohol poisoning?
Do not feed the person, give them more alcohol, offer medication, provide coffee, ask them to walk it off, or put them in a shower. These actions can worsen the situation or increase risks.
How can teachers incorporate alcohol poisoning education into a high school lesson?
Teachers can use interactive activities like having students create a storyboard with sections on overdose signs, getting help, and what to do while waiting. This helps students visualize scenarios and reinforces safe responses.
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