Holidays are meant to be enjoyable, but they don’t always go according to plan. If someone in your travel group begins misusing alcohol or drugs, what started as a relaxing break can quickly become stressful and potentially dangerous.
It’s something that is occurring more and more, particularly with the rise in people struggling with addiction. Many alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres have seen a huge spike in admissions, while airports are finding more and more problems with anti-social behaviour as a result of alcohol and drugs.
Whether it’s a friend drinking far more than usual, a family member using drugs or someone whose behaviour becomes increasingly unpredictable, knowing how to respond calmly and safely can make a significant difference. While every situation is unique, there are practical steps you can take to protect both the individual involved and the rest of the group.
Prioritise Safety First
Your immediate concern should always be everyone’s safety.
Alcohol and drugs can impair judgement, coordination and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries and risky behaviour. If someone is heavily intoxicated, avoid leaving them alone, particularly near water, busy roads, balconies or unfamiliar areas.
If they’re unconscious, struggling to breathe, experiencing seizures or showing signs of a medical emergency, seek urgent medical assistance immediately. It’s always better to act quickly than assume they’ll recover on their own.
When travelling abroad, familiarise yourself with the local emergency services and keep your accommodation details readily available in case you need assistance.
Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation
Seeing someone behave irresponsibly can be frustrating, especially if their actions affect the rest of the holiday. However, confronting someone while they’re intoxicated is rarely productive.
People under the influence may become defensive, confused or unable to have a rational conversation. Instead of arguing or criticising them, focus on keeping the situation calm and preventing it from escalating.
If possible, guide them somewhere quiet and safe where they can rest and recover. Remaining patient and speaking calmly can often help reduce tension.
More meaningful conversations are usually best saved until the person is sober.
Know the Local Laws
Drug and alcohol laws vary significantly from one country to another. Behaviour that may seem relatively minor at home can carry serious legal consequences abroad.
Possession of illegal drugs, public intoxication or disorderly behaviour can result in heavy fines, arrest or even imprisonment in some destinations.
If someone in your group is using illegal substances, it’s important to understand that local authorities will apply local laws. Avoid becoming involved in illegal activity yourself, and don’t attempt to hide or transport substances on another person’s behalf under any circumstances.
Being aware of the legal risks before you travel can help everyone make informed decisions.
Look After the Rest of the Group
One person’s behaviour shouldn’t ruin the holiday for everyone else.
If you’re travelling with children, elderly relatives or other vulnerable people, their wellbeing should remain a priority. You may need to adjust your plans temporarily or ensure that someone responsible stays with the affected individual while others continue with planned activities.
Sharing responsibilities among trusted members of the group can reduce stress and prevent one person from carrying the entire burden.
It’s also important to acknowledge your own emotions. Supporting someone in crisis can be exhausting, and taking time to look after your own wellbeing is equally important.
Encourage Honest Conversations Afterwards
Once the immediate situation has passed and the person is sober, consider having a private and compassionate conversation.
Rather than blaming or criticising them, explain how their behaviour affected the group and express any concerns you have about their wellbeing. Using calm, non-judgemental language is more likely to encourage an open discussion than accusations or anger.
Sometimes excessive drinking or drug use on holiday is an isolated incident. In other cases, it may reflect a wider pattern that the individual has been struggling with for some time.
If they express concerns about their substance use, encourage them to seek advice from their GP or an appropriate support service once they’re home.
Plan Ahead Before Future Trips
If you’re aware that someone has previously struggled with alcohol or drugs, discussing expectations before travelling together can help avoid misunderstandings.
Agreeing on plans, setting boundaries and choosing activities that don’t revolve solely around drinking can create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Some groups find that including outdoor adventures, cultural visits or wellness activities naturally shifts the focus away from alcohol and encourages healthier ways to spend time together.
Supporting Without Taking Responsibility
It’s natural to want to help someone who may be struggling with alcohol or drug misuse, particularly if they’re a close friend or family member. However, it’s important to remember that you cannot control another person’s choices.
You can offer support, encourage safer decisions and respond calmly in difficult situations, but ultimately, lasting change has to come from the individual themselves.
By prioritising safety, staying composed and encouraging honest conversations when the time is right, you can help manage a challenging situation while protecting both yourself and the rest of your travel group. Even when a holiday takes an unexpected turn, responding with compassion and common sense can make all the difference.
