Alcohol Poisoning: The Dangers of Binge Drinking and Happy Hours

In 2003, we were vacationing in Orlando when I attended my first and last happy hour event at our hotel. We stayed in a nice, posh hotel that served free house drinks during happy hours, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Since I did not arrive until 6 p.m., I felt the need to catch up and proceeded to binge drink a mixture of beer, white Russians, brandy, and rum.

The "National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above. This typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks, and when women consume 4 or more drinks, in about 2 hours" (Quick Stats Binge Drinking, 2008). Binge drinkers are rarely alcoholics.

Binge Drinking Statistics

According to Quick Stats:

• Approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days.

• Although college students commonly binge drink, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults over age 25 years.

• The prevalence of binge drinking among men is 2 times the prevalence among women.

• About 75% of the alcohol consumed by adults in the United States is in the form of binge drinks.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol Poisoning is "a serious and sometimes deadly consequence of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time" (MayoClinic Staff, 2008). It severely depresses the central nervous system possibly leading to coma and death. Unfortunately, most places, like our hotel, that conduct happy hour events do not pose limits on how much the customer drink.

Because of my binge drinking, I began experiencing irregular heart palpitations, inner chills, sweating, a feeling of doom, and as if, everything was closing in on me. I knew that I made a dangerous mistake of binge drinking while attending happy hour as I staggered towards the elevator. I wanted to lie down on the lobby couch for a few minutes but I knew it would probably be the last time I lay down. It felt like a near-death experience, so much so, that I continue, to this day, to have difficulty dealing with the fact that I almost died from alcohol poisoning.

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

While in the elevator, I began to feel claustrophobic, the walls were caving in on me; I wanted to get out of my body. In some near-death experiences, people actually see themselves leave their body; I really wanted to escape mine. It seemed to take the elevator much longer to reach the third floor than before. Another happy hour patron was on the elevator, I wanted to scream for help, but the words would not come out. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

• Confusion, stupor

• Vomiting, impaired gag reflex (high risk of accidently inhaling (aspirating) vomit into the lungs which can be fatal)

• Seizures

• Slow and irregular breathing

• Low body temperature, blue tinged skin

• Unconsciousness (passing out) (MayoClinic Staff)

I finally arrived to the room where my sister awaited, worried since she had not seen me since before happy hour. I was too embarrassed to inform her of my stupidity, of my binge drinking. I wanted to tell her to keep me awake because I felt if I close my eyes; it would be the last time. Instead, I attempted to keep talking to her while lying on the bed. It did not take but a few minutes before I was sound asleep (or unconscious). Fortunately, I was a very lucky potential victim of alcohol poisoning I survived without medical intervention. My sister informed me that I snored loudly and unevenly, at times, appearing to have stopped breathing.

Treatment

Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency; the person should be taken to the hospital immediately. Never leave a victim alone; always keep the person on their side in the event they vomit. In an unconscious person, protection of the airway, breathing, and oxygen therapy are top priorities. It is dangerous to think showering, large quantities of coffee, sleeping and/or walking it off will "treat" alcohol poisoning; the person will soon fall unconscious. If a person is difficult to arouse, suspect unconsciousness and seek emergency assistance.

Taking Responsibility

My binge drinking and potential for alcohol poisoning during happy hours was my fault as I am an adult. Nevertheless, businesses who conduct happy hour events should place a limit on the amount of alcohol served to its customers, especially if the drinks are free. Because alcohol poisoning is due to the amount consumed in a short period, limiting drinks while extending happy hour may be another solution. This near-death experience was very frightening; I have not attended another happy hour event or binge drank since our vacation, and I never will.

Reference

Alcohol Poisoning. MayoClinic Staff. (2008, Dec. 11).

www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-poisoning

Quick Stats Binge Drinking (2008, Aug. 6).

http://www.cdc.gov/Alcohol/quickstats/binge_drinking.htm