What is Alcohol Poisoning?

In the simplest terms, alcohol poisoning is an alcohol overdose. Alcohol poisoning can lead to death and can only be cured with medical assistance. If someone you know is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Read on to learn more about what alcohol poisoning is and the signs that it is occurring.

If you or your loved one need a safe space to recover from alcohol addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our short- and long-term recovery programs.

Alcohol Poisoning Overview

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person drinks a high volume of alcohol too quickly, raising their BAC to dangerously high levels. Having too much alcohol in the bloodstream can cause loss of temperature control, inability to breathe, and decreased heart rate. Essentially, the body begins to shut down.

How Much Alcohol Causes Alcohol Poisoning?

The amount of alcohol it takes for an individual to experience alcohol poisoning depends on many variables, such as:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Weight
  • Height

However, when your BAC level is raised to 0.8% or more—which is the level at which binge drinking occurs—you will likely begin to experience the adverse effects of the alcohol. It’s also important to note that even when you stop drinking, your BAC can continue to rise in as little as thirty minutes after your last drink. That said, it’s imperative to seek medical attention as soon as the signs of alcohol poisoning are present. The condition can worsen rapidly and cause coma or death.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

The signs of alcohol poisoning include:

  • Unconsciousness and inability to wake up
  • Vomiting
  • Slowed breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
  • Irregular breathing patterns (more than 10-seconds between breaths)
  • Seizures
  • Low body temperature
  • Pale or blue-tinged skin
  • Confusion

What To Do If Someone Is Experiencing Alcohol Poisoning

If you believe someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, take the following steps:

  • Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Don’t wait for the person to display all symptoms.
  • Gather information. Be prepared to disclose their name, what they were drinking, if they took other drugs, and any additional health information you know about the individual.
  • Wait with them until medical help arrives. They will be at risk of choking or falling if left unattended.
  • Sit them upright, if possible.This will help prevent choking. Do not encourage them to throw up, as their gag reflexes will be dulled and they may be unable to breathe.
  • If they are vomiting and sitting upright, lean them forward to prevent choking.
  • If they are vomiting and lying down, roll them onto their side with an ear facing the ground to further prevent choking.

Never hesitate to contact medical assistance if you believe someone is experiencing alcohol poising. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you may end up saving their life.

Contact Myrtle Beach Recovery

Now that know what alcohol poisoning is, if you see someone experiencing it, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Also remember that there is help available if you or a loved one find that you are struggling with alcohol abuse. For professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Myrtle Beach Recovery. We offer short-term and long-term recovery programs, providing a safe place to work through the 12 Steps.

Contact us today to find out how we can help.

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