One of the most serious and deadliest consequences of heavy drinking in a short time is alcohol poisoning. If anyone drinks too much too quickly, that could affect their body temperature, breathing, gag reflex, and heart rate. Drinking in excess could also lead to a coma or death. That’s why everyone must know the signs of alcohol poisoning. If your loved one struggles with an alcohol addiction, it is critical to get treatment at an alcohol addiction treatment center. To learn more, contact our North Carolina adolescent treatment center today. 

About the Symptoms and Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

People of all ages, including teens and those attending college, can get alcohol poisoning. Understanding the symptoms and signs of alcohol poisoning could mean help is available quicker:

• Confusion
• Irregular breathing, including more than 10 seconds passing between each breath
• Low body temperature
• Passes out to the point of not being able to be awakened
• Pale or blue-tinged skin
• Seizures or vomiting
• Slow breathing, including less than eight seconds between each breath

Complications of Alcohol Poisoning

Once you understand the signs of alcohol poisoning, you must also learn the complications it causes. During severe cases, alcohol poisoning could lead to:

• Brain damage
• Breathing difficulties
• Choking on vomit
• Coma
• Death
• Heart attack
• Hypothermia
• Severe dehydration

Understanding the Statistics Behind Alcohol Poisoning

According to data provided to us by U.S. News and World Report, over 2,000 people across America die from alcohol poisoning annually. While alcohol poisoning is a concern among teens and college students, those same statistics indicate that the highest rate of alcohol poisonings occur in individuals between 45 and 54. We learn that five percent of alcohol poisoning deaths include people between the ages of 15 and 24. Data further indicate that 13% of alcohol poisoning deaths occur in people between the ages of 25 and 34.

The Causes of Alcohol Poisoning

Some might believe that binge drinking one time could lead to alcohol poisoning, and that can be the case. Binge drinking is one of the leading and deadliest causes of alcohol poisoning. If you’re a man and have five drinks in less than two hours, that’s binge drinking. Binge drinking for women is when they have four drinks in less than two hours. If someone is binge drinking in extreme amounts, that means they’re doubling those quantities in less than two hours.

The causes of alcohol poisoning depend on factors, including:

• A person’s size and weight
• Someone’s overall health
• An individual’s tolerance for alcohol
• If that person ate food recently
• Whether or not that individual is using drugs
• How much and how quickly the alcohol consumption occurs
• The alcohol content of the drinks

Actions to Take When You See the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

If you think you see the signs of alcohol poisoning, you must take immediate action. That includes calling 911 immediately. Make sure you don’t leave the person alone. When you’re with them, sit them upright and try keeping them awake.

If the person is awake, try to encourage them to take small sips of water. Then, keep them covered with a warm blanket. If the individual is passed out, make sure you prop them on their side to prevent them from choking on their vomit.

As soon as paramedics arrive, talk to them about how much the individual drank and in what timeframe. Avoid giving the person a cold shower while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Don’t give them food or too much liquid because that can cause vomiting.

Final Thoughts

Do you know someone who binges drinks and have concerns because you see the signs of alcohol poisoning? Do you drink in excess and have worries that you might suffer from this someday? No one should have to experience these worries without help. Contact us at 866.300.5275 to get the answers you need and learn more about how we can help at our teen intervention center.