Understanding Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition that occurs when someone consumes an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time period. It’s a major risk of binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in two hours for men and four or more drinks in two hours for women. Since our bodies can only process one drink per hour, consuming more leads to a dangerous buildup of alcohol in the bloodstream, overwhelming organs like the liver and brain.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning disrupts the brain’s control over essential life functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation. Watch for these symptoms:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty staying conscious
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Slow heart rate
- Low body temperature
- Absence of gag reflex
If you notice any symptoms of alcohol poisoning in you or someone else, call 911 immediately.
4 Myths About “Sobering Up”
It’s important to debunk common myths about managing alcohol poisoning:
- Cold Showers: Sudden temperature changes can cause shock and worsen symptoms.
- Coffee or Caffeine: These do not lower blood alcohol levels or help someone sober up.
- Greasy Food: While food before drinking can slow alcohol absorption, eating junk food afterward can increase nausea and vomiting.
- Sleeping It Off: Leaving someone to “sleep it off” is particularly dangerous. The absence of a gag reflex increases the risk of choking on vomit.
What to Do If You Suspect Alcohol Poisoning
- Call 911 immediately.
- Stay with the person and keep them awake and sitting upright if possible.
- Do not give them coffee, cold showers, or food.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, EOSIS is here for you. Our compassionate team of professionals will provide personalized care at our residential or outpatient clinics across the Twin Cities.
