Alcohol
Poisoning
If people knew
more about alcohol poisoning, it could be avoided.
Too Much, Too
Fast
Acute Intoxication
 Alcohol
poisoning, like other drug overdoses, can occur after the
ingestion of a large amount of any alcoholic beverage (this
includes beer, wine, and distilled spirits). But inexperienced
drinkers, or those more sensitive to alcohol, may become acutely
intoxicated and suffer serious consequences after drinking
smaller amounts. Because of differences in body chemistry,
women can overdose after drinking lesser amounts than men.
Here's what happens.
Alcohol (a depressant drug), once ingested, works to slow
down some of the body's functions. This includes heart rate,
breathing, and blood pressure. When the vital centers have
been depressed enough by alcohol, unconsciousness occurs.
Further, the amount of alcohol that it takes to produce unconsciousness
is dangerously close to the fatal dose. People who survive
alcohol poisoning sometimes suffer irreversible brain damage.
Many students are
surprised to learn that death can occur from acute intoxication.
Most think the worst that can happen is that they will pass
out or have a hangover the next day.
Knowing
Knowing the signs and symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication
and the proper action to take can help you avoid a tragedy.
A Dead Giveaway
Binge drinking (drinking five or more drinks in a row on a
single occasion) is a common phenomenon on college campuses.
As a result, you may come into contact with a person who is
experiencing a life threatening acute alcohol intoxication
episode.
But how can you
tell if someone is about to become a victim of alcohol poisoning?
And if they are, what can you do to help?
Alcohol Poisoning:
A Medical Emergency
Signs and Symptoms
- Unconsciousness
or semi-consciousness
- Slow respiration
(eight or less breaths per minute)
- Cold, clammy,
pale, or bluish skin
- Strong odor
of alcohol
- While these
are obvious signs of alcohol poisoning, the list is certainly
not all inclusive
Appropriate
Action
- If you encounter
someone with one or more of the above symptoms, call 911
immediately
- While waiting
for the emergency transport, gently turn the intoxicated
person on his or her side and maintain that position by
placing a pillow in the small of the person's back. This
is important to prevent aspiration (choking) should the
person vomit.
- Stay with the
person until medical help arrives.
Sleeping it
Off?
A more difficult situation occurs when the person appears
to be "sleeping it off." It is important to understand
that even though a person may be semi-conscious , alcohol
already in the stomach may continue to enter the bloodstream
and circulate throughout the body. The person's life may still
be in danger.
If you should encounter
such a situation, place the person on his or her side, help
them maintain that position, and watch them closely for signs
of alcohol poisoning. If any signs appear, call 911.
If you are having
difficulty determining whether an individual is acutely intoxicated,
contact a health professional immediately - you cannot afford
to guess.
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