The Truth About Alcohol Poisoning
Binge drinking, consuming alcoholic beverages over a short period of time, is the most common cause of alcohol poisoning.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning include: confusion or stupor, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, blue-tinged skin or pale skin, low body temperature and unconsciousness.
Not all of these symptoms need to be present before seeking help. An unconscious person is at risk of dying.
Causes
Alcohol poisoning may be accidental or intentional:
Ethanol. Found in alcoholic beverages as well as common household items (such as perfumes and mouthwashes).
Isopropyl alcohol. Found in rubbing alcohol, lotions, certain hand-sanitizing gels, some cleaning products and antifreeze.
Methanol. Found in solvents, paints, varnishes, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
Alcohol poisoning is mostly caused by drinking too much ethanol in the form of alcoholic beverages.
The effects of ethanol in your body depend on the concentration of alcohol in your blood (blood alcohol concentration, or BAC). Your BAC is affected by how strong the alcohol is, how much you drink it, how quickly you drink it, and how empty your stomach is at the time you drink it.
Seeking Medical Advice
Seek immediate medical care if you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning. Not all the signs and symptoms have to be present. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the person is unconscious. If conscious, call 800-222-1212 and you will be automatically routed to your local poison control center.
Never leave an unconscious person alone. Do not try to make the person vomit. Alcohol poisoning impairs the gag reflex and the person may choke on his or her own vomit.
When talking to emergency personnel, if known, tell them the type and quantity of alcohol the person drank.
Treatment
Supportive care must be given to your body as it rids itself of the alcohol:
Careful monitoring
Airway protection to prevent breathing or choking problems
Oxygen therapy
Administration of fluids through a vein to prevent dehydration
Prevention
Tips to avoid alcohol poisoning:
Be moderate. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all. No more than one drink a day for women and no more than two a day for men. Sip, do not gulp.
Communicate with your teens. Talk to your teens about the dangers of alcohol. Binge drinking increases between the ages of 18 and 22. Children who are warned about alcohol by their parents are less likely to start drinking.
Store products safely. Store alcohol-containing products out of the reach of children. Consider using a lock and key.
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-poisoning/DS00861/DSECTION=1
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-poisoning/DS00861/DSECTION=2
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-poisoning/DS00861/DSECTION=3
Published by Lilac
Air Force Veteran. Currently completing a Legal Assistant Degree. Hopes to write a book about relationships. View profile
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