Recognizing Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms and Essential Actions to Take

Fainting After Drinking May Signal a Serious Emergency

Each year, over 2,200 individuals succumb to alcohol poisoning, averaging six fatalities daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The majority of these cases involve men aged between 35 and 65.

Rapid consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol can result in alcohol poisoning, characterized by symptoms like impaired coordination, hypothermia, irregular heartbeat, slow breathing, and unconsciousness. This condition poses a significant risk and can be life-threatening.

This guide explores the causes and warning signs of alcohol poisoning and outlines the available medical treatments.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

Understanding the symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning helps differentiate between someone who is simply intoxicated and one who is unconscious due to poisoning. Watch for:

• Breathing that is slow or irregular (fewer than eight breaths per minute or pauses of 10 seconds or more between breaths)
• Clammy or bluish skin and dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
• Absence of gag reflex, increasing choking risk during vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow heart rate
• Vomiting, especially if unconscious and unable to wake up during or after vomiting

Note that a person doesn't need to display all these symptoms to be in danger. Anyone who cannot be awakened or is unconscious requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms often correlate with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels:

1. Mild impairment (0.0 - 0.05% BAC): Mild speech, balance, memory, and attention difficulties; feelings of relaxation or drowsiness.
2. Moderate impairment (0.06 - 0.15% BAC): Noticeable intoxication with speech, coordination, and balance problems; driving abilities severely compromised.
3. Severe impairment (0.16 - 0.30% BAC): High risk of blackouts, vomiting, and unconsciousness; driving extremely dangerous.
4. Critical danger (0.31 - 0.45% BAC): Life-threatening symptoms including unconsciousness, vital function suppression, and elevated risk of death.

Beyond the immediate threat of death, alcohol poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage. Long-term heavy drinking risks include addiction, cancer, liver diseases like cirrhosis, vitamin deficiencies, and mental health disorders. It also increases the likelihood of accidental injuries such as falls, drowning, assaults, and car crashes.

Immediate Steps If You Suspect Alcohol Poisoning

1. Dial 911 without delay, even if classic symptoms aren’t fully evident. Quick action can save a life.
2. Be ready to share details with emergency responders, including the type, quantity, and timing of alcohol consumed.
3. Never leave the person unattended. Attempt to keep them awake and responsive. Position them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
4. If vomiting occurs, help keep them upright and conscious.
5. Monitor their breathing closely. Be prepared to perform CPR if breathing stops; seek assistance if you’re untrained.
6. Avoid giving coffee or cold showers—these do not counteract alcohol poisoning effects.

Understanding What Causes Alcohol Poisoning

Excessive alcohol in the bloodstream depresses brain regions responsible for breathing, heart rate, and other vital functions, potentially leading to life-threatening shutdown.

Your friend who appears to be merely sleeping off alcohol may actually be experiencing acute poisoning, risking coma or death without prompt intervention.

Alcohol poisoning impacts the brain, blood vessels, and liver. Rapid fluid intake can disrupt the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.

Both children and adults can suffer from alcohol poisoning. Besides liquor, household items containing alcohol such as cooking extracts or medicinal tinctures can also be dangerous if ingested.

Risk Factors That Increase Alcohol Poisoning Likelihood

Certain factors elevate the chance of alcohol poisoning, including:

• Body weight and size
• Mixing alcohol with other substances
• Overall health status
• Speed and amount of alcohol consumption
• Individual tolerance
• Whether food has been recently eaten

Binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more for women within two hours, significantly raises the risk.

Medical Treatments for Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning requires urgent medical care; there is no home remedy to reverse it. Calling emergency services and safeguarding the individual until help arrives is crucial.

Common treatments include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to replace lost fluids and correct electrolyte imbalances
• Oxygen therapy to support breathing, especially if irregular or slowed
• Medications to stabilize blood pressure
• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping) to remove alcohol from the stomach and prevent further absorption
• Hemodialysis, a blood filtration procedure, to rapidly eliminate alcohol and its metabolites in severe cases

Seizures are managed with short-term anticonvulsant medications.

Recovery from alcohol poisoning takes time; severe hangover symptoms may persist even after medical intervention until the individual's condition stabilizes.

Healthcare providers may recommend treatment for alcohol use disorder or mental health support for conditions like depression or anxiety. They can assist with detoxification and prescribe medications to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Preventing Alcohol Poisoning: Practical Tips

Alongside recognizing symptoms, prevention strategies are essential:

• Drink in moderation: Limit to one drink per day for women and two for men.
• Avoid rapid consumption: Sip slowly and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages.
• Never drink on an empty stomach: Eating beforehand slows alcohol absorption.
• Communicate concerns: Discuss alcohol risks and binge drinking with loved ones.
• Do not mix alcohol with medications: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can interact dangerously with alcohol.
• Stay vigilant: Only consume beverages you trust and never leave drinks unattended.

While the risk cannot be entirely eliminated, reducing alcohol intake or choosing non-alcoholic options significantly lowers the chance of poisoning.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for support and treatment resources.

For additional mental health resources, visit our National Helpline Database.

Common Questions About Alcohol Poisoning

• How long does alcohol poisoning last?

  Duration varies based on factors like quantity consumed, consumption speed, metabolism rate, body weight, age, sex, medications, tolerance, and food intake.

• What foods aid recovery after alcohol poisoning?

  Hydration is key; drink plenty of fluids. Consuming whole grains, bananas, yogurt, and sweet potatoes can help. Seek medical care immediately if poisoning is suspected.

• Is alcohol poisoning fatal?

  Yes, it can be deadly. Excessive alcohol intake disrupts vital functions, leading to unconsciousness, coma, brain damage, or death.

Explore more about Conditions A-Z, Addiction, and Alcohol Addiction.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcohol poisoning deaths.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Alcohol poisoning overview.
3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Understanding alcohol overdose risks.
4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol facts and statistics.
5. Kanny D, Brewer RD, et al. Vital signs: alcohol poisoning deaths - United States, 2010-2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015;63(53):1238-42.
6. Cleveland Clinic. Management and treatment of alcohol poisoning.
7. Kute VB, Godara SM, et al. Hemodialysis for methyl alcohol poisoning: a single-center study. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2012;23(1):37-43.
8. U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

Article by Buddy T, a seasoned writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee, dedicated to raising awareness on alcoholism. To maintain privacy and respect anonymity principles, Buddy T uses a pseudonym and does not share personal images on this platform.

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