Alcohol Overdose: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

The more alcohol you consume, the greater the quantity that enters your bloodstream. Call 911 if someone you know is experiencing an alcohol overdose. This is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Alcohol poisoning happens when you drink too much alcohol too fast. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, always call 911. Try to keep them upright, but if they must lay down, turn their head to the side to prevent choking.

alcohol poisoning

It’s not necessary to have all the above signs or symptoms before you seek medical help. A person with alcohol poisoning who is unconscious or can’t be awakened is at risk of dying. As blood alcohol concentration increases, so does the effect of alcohol—as well as the risk of harm. Even small increases in BAC can decrease motor coordination, make a person feel sick, and cloud judgment. This can increase an individual’s risk of being injured from falls or car crashes, experiencing acts of violence, and engaging in unprotected or unintended sex.

Alcohol Poisoning Treatment

Although a smaller share of the US population, American Indians/Alaska Natives have the most alcohol poisoning deaths per million people of any of the races. Supporting proven programs and policies that decrease binge drinking. Partnering with police, community groups, health departments, and doctors, nurses, and other health care providers to reduce binge drinking and related harms. A normal liver detoxifies the blood of alcohol over a period of time that depends on the initial level and the patient’s overall physical condition. An abnormal liver will take longer but still succeeds, provided the alcohol does not cause liver failure. If you’ve drunk dangerous amounts of alcohol, doctors may “pump” yourstomach. This keeps any leftover alcohol from getting into your bloodstream.

Some people have a tendency to eat greasy food like burgers and fries thinking it will soak up the remaining alcohol in the system. This usually makes matters worse shortly after eating when the body crashes. So making deliberate decisions alcohol poisoning about alcohol, whether you choose to drink or not, is key to reducing your risk. Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs- Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs (i.e. antihistamines, sedatives) can increase the effects of alcohol.

Health Solutions

Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober. If you or someone you love is struggling with a drinking problem, don’t be afraid to ask for help. When alcohol is consumed, it has a very quick and aggressive effect on your body. In fact, it takes roughly one hour for the body to metabolize 0.25 ounces of alcohol.

alcohol poisoning

In 2012, it was estimated that about 18 million people in the United States have an alcohol use disorder, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered a chronic, often progressive disease that requires medical intervention and behavioral therapies to successfully recover from. People who are physically dependent upon alcohol also develop a withdrawal syndrome if they dramatically cut down on their drinking or attempt to stop drinking. https://ecosoberhouse.com/, or “acute intoxication,” is not a singular result of excess drinking.