There are many dangers that come with drinking too much alcohol, too quickly. In addition to the risk of a DUI charge and vehicle accidents, drinking a large amount can also lead to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition, and the symptoms are quite similar across the board. Therefore, it’s important to understand the causes, signs, and ways to aid someone who is suffering….
Alcohol Poisoning: Signs, Symptoms, and Giving Aid
How Do You Get Alcohol Poisoning?
This condition happens as a result of drinking too much, often in a short amount of time. When you do this, alcohol begins to hit the blood stream and can reach toxic levels if you’ve had too much. Since your body processes alcohol slowly, drinking too quickly can cause you to drink faster than your body can process. That means even after you stop drinking, alcohol will continue to make it’s way to your blood, increasing your blood alcohol content. So, avoid binge drinking practices, where you drink a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time.
What Are Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?
At first, the symptoms of alcohol poisoning can look like any other signs of drunkenness. For instance, someone may vomit or pass out from both drunkenness or alcohol poisoning. However, you will most likely not be able to wake someone that’s passing out due to alcohol poison. Other symptoms can include pale skin, low body temperature, and slow or irregular breathing. So, look for long gaps between each breath and signs of confusion.
What Should I Do When Someone Shows Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?
When a friend begins to show signs of alcohol poisoning, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. In some cases, alcohol can slow breathing and heart rate so much that it stops altogether. Therefore, serious cases of toxic levels can lead to death and other problems. So, don’t let the person lie down or go to sleep. Try to keep them awake, sitting up, and responsive. In addition, don’t give them food or water. While most people think this can help them sober up, its likely that they will not be able to handle it. Therefore, it can cause them to vomit or choke.
In short, alcohol poisoning is a serious condition that comes from drinking too much alcohol, in a short time. When you see friends binge drinking, try to prevent this by giving them water and encouraging them to slow down. However, once they begin to show signs of alcohol poison, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Therefore, try to watch for symptoms like confusion, slowed breathing, vomiting, and blacking out.