How to Handle Repeated Drunken Visitors: Legal and Safety Measures

Dealing with a family member or friend who repeatedly shows up drunk at your home can be incredibly distressing and unsafe. This situation often becomes sensationalized on social media, yet there are practical steps you can take to ensure both your safety and the well-being of all involved. Below are some strategies and legal provisions that may help.

Legal Considerations and Safety Measures

When a loved one or friend is constantly visiting while drunk, it's crucial to explore your legal rights and options. Many communities have specific laws governing public intoxication and trespassing, but these measures alone might not be sufficient to deter repeat offenses.

1. Consider Security Measures

Install Locks and Cameras: It's important to secure your home, not just for this individual but for general peace of mind. Consider changing locks, adding smart locks, and installing surveillance cameras to monitor your property. Install a Restraining Order: In certain jurisdictions, you can obtain a restraining order to legally protect yourself from further disturbances by this person. A restraining order can prevent the individual from coming near your home or contacting you.

2. Call the Authorities Properly

If you find yourself facing a drunken visitor, there are steps you can take to escalate the situation safely:

Use a Blocked Phone Number: If the individual approaches, call the police from a blocked phone number and provide a detailed description. Ensure you can identify this person and describe their behavior accurately. Report Potential DUI: If you suspect the person has been drinking outside and might drive, call the police and report potential driving under the influence (DUI). Document the Behavior: Record incidents when sober and present evidence to the individual or to law enforcement, if necessary.

3. Take Action within the Family

When addressing the behavior of a family member, it's important to involve other family members in the decision-making process. Depending on the family dynamics, you might explore the following steps:

Confront the Individual: When the individual is sober and in a rational state, discuss the harmful behavior and set boundaries. This can be a challenging but necessary step in resolving the issue. Seek Professional Counseling: Address the underlying issues and consider seeking professional counseling to help the individual confront and address their drinking problem. Establish Limits: If the individual agrees to seek help and abide by the set boundaries, concrete steps such as attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings can be beneficial.

4. Evaluate Continued Tolerance

Ultimately, if all other measures fail, you may need to consider severing ties:

Limit Contact: Reduce or cut off communication and visits to protect everyone's health and safety. Seek Support: Consider reaching out to support groups such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or family therapy to seek guidance on how to handle the situation.

Conclusion

Handling a loved one who repeatedly shows up drunk can be challenging and emotionally taxing. It's essential to take a proactive approach by considering legal measures, installing security measures, and attempting to resolve the issue amicably. Remember, your well-being and safety should always be the top priority.