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When we think of alcohol poisoning we tend to think of college students overindulging, however, studies show that deaths from alcohol poisoning are actually highest among middle-aged men. While binge drinking is highest among young adults, deaths resulting from alcohol are the lowest in this age group at about 5%. According to the CDC, over 2,000 people die every year from alcohol poisoning, and 75% of those deaths involving adults ages 35-64, and over 70% of deaths occur among Caucasian men. In today’s culture drinking regularly is considered perfectly normal, and many occasions go hand in hand with alcohol consumption, like tailgating at sporting events.
Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time flooding the bloodstream with more alcohol than the liver can process. It causes the areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate and body temperature to shut down. If not treated in time this can lead to coma or death. Under normal circumstances, the liver can process one serving of alcohol per hour. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks in a two-hour period for men. One serving of alcohol is considered:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 5 ounces of hard liquor (80 proof)
- 8-9 ounces of malt liquor
It is worth noting that mixed drinks often contain more than one serving of alcohol. Drinking several drinks in a short period of time leads to an elevated blood alcohol level, often exceeding the legal limit making it illegal to drive. Most people who binge drink are not dependent on alcohol, but drinking excessively on a regular basis can be just as deadly. Most people start binge drinking in college or even younger, and many leave it behind as they grow, but for those that don’t the danger starts to compound. Long-term drinkers have an increased tolerance resulting in a person needing to drink more. This increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, and also increases the risk of long-term damage such as heart disease and liver problems.
Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Clearbrook Treatment Center is right for you or your loved one.
Consequences of alcohol poisoning can include choking, severe dehydration resulting in dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, hypothermia, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, asphyxiation, brain damage, and death.
So how is it that some people can drink several drinks and seem fine but others drink significantly less are more greatly affected? There are quite a few factors that determine how alcohol will affect an individual. These factors include overall size and weight, food consumption prior to drinking, percentage of alcohol in each drink, amount of alcohol consumed, tolerance level, and overall health.
Alcohol poisoning symptoms can include confusion, loss of balance or coordination, vomiting, slow breathing or irregular breathing, low body temperature, pale, cold, or clammy skin, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning
Call 911 immediately. | Don’t just allow them to “sleep it off”. Once they’ve reached the stage where they lose consciousness and can’t be woken up, they are at risk of death. If you can, tell emergency personnel the type of alcohol that was consumed and the amount. Any information that you can give will help.
Stay with them. | There’s a high possibility that they will vomit and they may choke on their own vomit because of the way that alcohol affects the way the gag reflex works. If they do start to vomit try to keep them in an upright position or if you are not able, make sure that their arms are over their head, and that their head is to the side so that they do not choke.
Try to keep them awake. | Again, once they lose consciousness their risk of death increases greatly.
Keep them informed. | Let them know what you are doing, when, and why. Some individuals become disoriented and aggressive. If you are going to touch them for any reason let them know.
Keep them warm if you can. | Because alcohol can lower the body temperature there is a risk for hypothermia.
What You Should Never Do If Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning
Do not give them more alcohol. | While this may seem obvious it should be said, do not let them drink more alcohol. If they are showing any of the signs of alcohol poisoning or seem like they’ve had too much, cut them off.
Do not give them coffee. | Contrary to popular belief, giving them coffee could do more harm than good as caffeine can cause dehydration or make it worse if they are already dehydrated.
Do not let them “sleep it off”. | Again, don’t let them sleep assuming that they will sober up. Because alcohol takes time to process in the body it is likely that their symptoms could get worse before they get any better.
Do not try to feed them. | Alcohol in excessive amounts affects the ability to swallow and they may choke or aspirate food.
Do not give them medicine. | Mixing any kind of drug or medication will likely make the alcohol poisoning worse.
NEVER LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE!
What Medical Treatment May Entail
Depending on how severe the alcohol poisoning is several courses of action may be taken. They can include:
Monitoring. | Even if things don’t seem too serious the patient will be watched in order to make sure things don’t get worse as they metabolize the alcohol in their system.
Intubation. | If breathing is or may become inhibited or if they are at risk for choking, they may be intubated. Oxygen therapy may also be used to make sure a person continues breathing.
Gastric Lavage. | In severe cases the stomach may be pumped to remove the alcohol remaining or if a person ingested drugs as well.
Intravenous fluids. | A person may be given IV fluids if they are dehydrated or if they may become dehydrated. Severe dehydration can cause seizures, brain damage or death if left untreated.
Not every person who experiences alcohol poisoning has an alcohol abuse problem, but those struggling with alcohol addiction are at an increased risk for not only long-term damage but poisoning as well. Those who binge drink frequently are also more likely to develop a tolerance requiring larger amounts of alcohol to be consumed in order to feel the effects. This increases the risk for alcohol poisoning as well.
Contact Clearbrook Today
If you or someone you know and love is currently struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, Clearbrook Treatment Centers can help.
With 45 years of experience, we will provide you with the highest quality of care possible to combat your addiction and get on the road to recovery. By utilizing a comprehensive treatment approach, you will be offered all of the necessary tools for lasting sobriety.
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If you are interested in coming to treatment, please contact our Admissions Specialists today. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health call us today at (570) 536-9621.
