Author: James Anderson
Alcohol Poisoning: Symptoms, Causes, Complications, and Treatment
These other conditions can complicate the symptoms, making it more challenging to recognize alcohol poisoning. Most people can physically manage moderate amounts of alcohol, but everyone’s ability to metabolize alcohol is different. As such, the amount of alcohol that needs to be consumed to reach a state of alcohol poisoning varies from person to person.
Ethyl alcohol poisoning generally results from drinking too many alcoholic beverages in a short period of time. Although young people are most likely to engage in binge drinking, deaths from alcohol poisoning usually involve men between the ages of 35 and 64, according to the CDC. And middle-aged people are more likely than younger ones to take prescription drugs, which can increase the severity of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.
For a man, binge drinking is when you have five or more drinks in less than 2 hours. For a woman, it’s four or more drinks in the same time frame. “Extreme” binge drinking involves double these amounts.
- Mixed drinks may contain more than one serving of alcohol.
- People who accidentally consume methanol or isopropyl alcohol may need hemodialysis.
- At this stage, a man might have consumed three to five drinks in an hour, or two to four drinks for a woman.
- That’s a lot of information, particularly if one’s ability to think is impaired by alcohol.
- The condition is usually linked to drinking too many alcohol beverages.
Intoxication affects the way consent works in emergency medical situations. Normally, anyone experiencing a medical emergency must give permission to receive professional help. This requires understanding the necessity of treatment, knowing the possible side effects of treatment, and being informed of the consequences of refusing help. Someone who is drunk can experience worsening symptoms within a few hours. When alcohol poisoning occurs, the effects can be dramatic. Know the danger signals, and if you suspect that someone has an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help immediately.
Alcohol Poisoning FAQs
It is dangerous to assume that an unconscious person will be fine by sleeping it off. One potential danger of alcohol overdose is choking on one’s own vomit. Alcohol at very high levels can hinder signals in the brain that control automatic responses, such as the gag reflex. With no gag reflex, a person who drinks to the point of passing out is in danger of choking on their vomit and dying from a lack of oxygen (i.e., asphyxiation). Even if the person survives, an alcohol overdose like this can lead to long-lasting brain damage. Alcohol poisoning happens when there’s too much alcohol in your blood, and parts of your brain shut down.
They may also experience seizures or have blue-tinged or pale skin. Their breathing and gag reflexes will likely be impaired. The stages of intoxication differ from person to person because they’re based on age, sex, weight, and other factors. More than 2,200 people die from alcohol poisoning each year, an average of six people per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most are men, and three in four people are between the ages of 35 and 65. People with alcohol poisoning are also more likely to experience injuries, which can be severe.
Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose
This stage of intoxication is marked by emotional outbursts and a major loss of coordination. The person may not be able to stand up, may stagger when walking, and will likely be extremely confused about what’s going on. If a person has consumed one or less drinks per hour, they’re considered to be sober, or low-level intoxicated. In addition to being aware of alcohol poisoning symptoms, you should also understand what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Symptoms and potential risks and complications of ingesting too much alcohol largely stem from the effect on the brain and blood vessels. Rapid fluid ingestion can be harmful in and of itself, as it can alters the fluid concentration in the body, potentially disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. Your doctor can diagnose alcohol poisoning based on your symptoms. They’ll also order blood and urine tests to check your alcohol levels. The more you drink, especially in a short period of time, the greater your risk of alcohol poisoning. A person can consume a fatal dose of alcohol before passing out.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Someone who is “just drunk” will be slurring their words, stumbling around, and acting drowsy. Someone with alcohol poisoning will be breathing slowly or irregularly, have cold skin, be vomiting a lot, and perhaps have a seizure or lose consciousness. If you’re not sure what stage a friend is at, call 911. In the U.S., paramedics don’t charge for a visit unless the person needs to go to the hospital. Alcohol in the form of ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, is in alcoholic beverages. It’s also in mouthwash, some cooking extracts, some medicines and certain household products.
What to Do If You Think Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning
A healthcare provider can offer treatment recommendations, assist with medical detox, and prescribe medications that can treat cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This article discusses the causes and symptoms of alcohol poisoning. It also explains available alcohol poisoning treatments. Alcohol poisoning typically happens when you consume a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. It often happens from drinking excess alcohol-containing beverages, like beer, wine and/or liquor.
Remember, your friend does not have to have all the symptoms to be at risk. Anyone who cannot be awakened or is unconscious is at risk of dying. If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, get them medical help as soon as possible. Don’t assume you can sleep it off or that you’ll be OK in the morning.