Alcohol Poisoning
Facts About Alcohol Poisoning
Excessive drinking can be hazardous to anyone's health. Some people laugh at the behavior of others who are drunk. Some think it's even funnier when they pass out. But there is nothing funny about the aspiration of vomit leading to asphyxiation or the poisoning of the respiratory center in the brain, both of which can result in death.
Do you know the dangers of alcohol poisoning? When should you seek professional help for yourself or a friend? Sadly, too many college students say they wish they had sought medical treatment for a friend. Many end up feeling responsible for alcohol-related tragedies that could have easily been prevented.
Common myths about sobering up include drinking black coffee, taking a cold bath or shower, sleeping it off, or walking it off. But these are just myths, and they don't work. The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time--something you may not have if you are suffering from alcohol poisoning. And many different factors affect the level of intoxication of an individual, so it's difficult to gauge exactly how much is too much.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
BAC refers to the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, and can be measured within 30-70 minutes after drinking. Use the BAC calculator to estimate your level, but don't forget that everyone metabolizes alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) differently. The calculator can give you an approximate BAC level, but do not rely upon it to determine if you're fit to drive or work.
What Happens to Your Body When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions.
It is common for someone who has been drinking alcohol excessively to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication.
You should also know that a person's BAC can continue to rise even while they are passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine if they sleep it off.
Critical Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
- Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness
What Should You Do If You Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?
- Know the danger signals
- Do not wait for all symptoms to be present
- Be aware that a person who has passed out may die
- If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness
What Can Happen to Someone With Alcohol Poisoning That Goes Untreated?
- The victim may choke on their own vomit
- Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops
- The heart beats irregularly or stops
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar) leads to seizures
- Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death