Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Damage Caused by Alcohol

Most people can have an occasional drink without ever suffering adverse effects. Some people may drink to the point they become ill or suffer from a hangover the following day. Other people will drink way past their capacity to metabolize their drinks. When this happens, the organs in the body can suffer damage, some of which is irreparable.

Almost everyone is familiar with liver disease due to the constant over-consumption of alcoholic beverages. Young adults are lectured on the evils of drinking too much, and they are shown pictures of diseased livers in an attempt to dissuade them from becoming alcoholics. However, there are many other signs of alcohol poisoning that can be seen on the outside.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Since people cannot see their liver and what may be happening to it when they drink too much alcohol on a daily basis, they may not be aware of the other symptoms they may be experiencing are due to alcohol poisoning. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following symptoms may appear in people who drink too much alcohol:

• Confusion and in a stupor
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Hypothermia
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Blue-tinged or very pale skin color
• Passing Out

Further Health Complications

People who are severely impaired after drinking too much alcohol may be at risk for potentially fatal complications. People who throw up while drunk may choke on and inhale the vomit into their lungs. When this happens, they may die of asphyxiation. People with heart problems may also die from drinking too much because it may cause an irregular rhythm or cause the heart to shut down completely.

When to Get Help

Many people do not understand when they should get help for someone that has succumbed to alcohol poisoning. Seeing a person that is drunk can be shrugged off, especially when you are at a party where every one has perhaps had too much to drink. However, there is cause for alarm when certain symptoms occur, and this is when you need to call for help. Call 911 if you see the following symptoms in someone who has been drinking:

• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting, especially if they are doing this while unconscious
• Pale or blue-looking skin

Do not attempt to make a person throw up if they are drunk. A person who is drunk has an impaired gag reflex and may choke if you do this.

Treatment

The treatment for a person who has ingested too much alcohol is simple. First, health professionals will ensure that the airways are clear. They may also give oxygen either in a tent surrounding the hospital bed or through an oxygen mask. Second, in order to prevent dehydration, an IV drip will be administered to speed up the process of eliminating alcohol from the body. If a physician believes that the alcohol cannot be metabolized fast enough with an IV drip they may order kidney dialysis. This will help the person eliminate the alcohol more quickly from their body.

Prevention

Drinking in moderation is the best way to avoid alcohol poisoning. People who cannot stop drinking, no matter how hard they try, should seek alcohol abuse counseling. Anyone can walk in and attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting; the people at these meetings will quickly embrace new members.

The Mayo Clinic states that the acceptable alcohol limit to be consumed in any one day by a female is one drink; two for males. A drink is 12 ounces or less of alcohol, such as a beer, wine cooler, glass of wine or champagne. A shot of liquor, though small, is also considered one drink.

Alcohol poisoning is a very serious condition and shouldn’t be laughed off. If you see someone who is exhibiting sings of alcohol poisoning, get him or her help by calling 911. It is always better to err on the side of caution, than to do nothing and allow someone to die.