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Approximately six people a day in the U.S. die from alcohol poisoning or overdose. Of those deaths, the majority of people are between the ages of 18 and 34, and most are young men. Many people who binge drink alcohol to the point of overdosing aren’t necessarily alcoholics, and it can be difficult for loved ones to identify the early signs of alcohol poisoning in a friend or family member. Even though alcohol is legal and its use widespread throughout the U.S., it is still a dangerous substance when used irresponsibly. Below are the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for alcohol overdose.
Is alcohol dangerous?
In certain instances, yes, alcohol is dangerous. When someone consumes too much alcohol in a short period, they can poison themselves. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing breathing, lowering body temperature, and inhibiting the gag reflex while at the same time causing stomach upset. People who overdose on alcohol can pass out, choke on their vomit, and die. Alcohol poisoning can also cause someone to stop breathing and fall into a coma before passing away.
Anyone who drinks too much is at risk of alcohol poisoning. An alcohol overdose can happen to adults and children who accidentally consume alcohol, either in the form of an alcoholic beverage or by drinking household products that contain alcohol. In cases of alcohol poisoning, prompt medical attention is critical.
What are the long-term mental effects of cocaine abuse?
In most cases of alcohol poisoning, binge drinking is the biggest culprit. Binge drinking is when someone a large number of alcoholic beverages within a short period. A person’s height and weight greatly influence their ability to consume alcohol. For the average man, consuming five or more alcoholic beverages within two hours constitutes binge drinking. For the average woman, it is consuming four drinks within two hours.
An alcohol binge can last for a few hours to several days. Due to the way alcohol works in the body, a person at risk of overdose can drink a fatal amount of alcohol before they begin to exhibit signs of overdose and become unconscious. While unconscious, the level of alcohol in the bloodstream continues to increase for up to an hour after someone has their last drink.
How much alcohol can cause an overdose?
In general, the body absorbs alcohol from the digestive tract and into the bloodstream very quickly. Also, it takes a long time for the body to process alcohol and rid itself of the alcohol toxins entirely. The liver must metabolize alcohol, which can take several hours. Downing large amounts of alcohol will overwhelm the liver’s ability to process the drinks. To understand how much alcohol causes an overdose, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a drink, and what other factors influence how quickly the body processes alcohol. One drink is:
Mixed drinks are more difficult to define, but in general, mixed drinks contain more than a serving of alcohol and will take the liver longer to process and metabolize. Other factors which influence how quickly someone can poison themselves by binge drinking include:
Smaller people, people who have a low tolerance for alcohol, and those with impaired liver functioning can poison themselves faster when binge drinking than someone without these risk factors. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach will also cause more intense effects from alcohol.
What are the signs of alcohol addiction?
People who binge drink alcohol are not necessarily addicted. Sometimes, binging alcohol can increase someone’s chances of developing a physical dependence on the substance. Other signs of alcohol addiction include:
What are the signs of an alcohol overdose?
- Disorientation
- Slowed, irregular breathing
- Blue-tinged lips and fingernails
- Hypothermia
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Unresponsiveness and coma
A person who has alcohol poisoning does not have to exhibit every sign on this list to need medical treatment. Waiting until a suspected alcohol overdose victim passes out to get medical treatment risks their life. In cases of suspected alcohol poisoning, immediately call 911.
Do not assume they are safe to “sleep it off,” and do not leave them unattended. Have them lay on their side to prevent choking if they vomit if they cannot sit up. Try to keep the person awake, but do not give them anything else to drink, including coffee. Do not let them take a cold shower since this can increase the hypothermia effects of alcohol overdose and will not reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning anyway.
Do not assume they are safe to “sleep it off,” and do not leave them unattended. Have them lay on their side to prevent choking if they vomit if they cannot sit up. Try to keep the person awake, but do not give them anything else to drink, including coffee. Do not let them take a cold shower since this can increase the hypothermia effects of alcohol overdose and will not reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning anyway.
Be prepared to inform emergency responders about how much the person drank, what they drank, and when they last consumed alcohol. Most states have Good Samaritan Laws in place that protect people who report cases of drug or alcohol poisoning from criminal charges. EMTs will take an overdose victim to the hospital, where they may have to have their stomach pumped. They will most likely be given IV fluids and oxygen as a treatment for alcohol poisoning. After the patient is stabilized, they can attend inpatient or outpatient rehab for alcohol abuse to prevent another life-threatening episode.
Are you concerned about a loved one’s problem drinking? Please contact Mission Harbor Behavioral Health today. We can put you in touch with dedicated, knowledgable counselors who can help you explore and learn about different treatment options and support groups.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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