If anyone shows signs of severe intoxication, contact emergency services immediately. Severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. It’s a myth that a person can recover from alcohol intoxication by sleeping, taking a cold shower, going for a walk, or drinking black coffee or caffeine. In fact, doing these things can put an intoxicated person at greater risk of injury and death. A person’s breathing and blood circulation will be extremely slowed.
It can cause serious complications, like liver and heart failure, which can be fatal. It is always better to err on the side of caution in the event of a possible overdose. You could save that person’s life or prevent them from experiencing lasting negative symptoms. Medical professionals may recommend additional treatment, such as medications and therapy, for someone who has experienced an alcohol overdose. People typically require hospital treatment for an alcohol overdose so doctors can monitor their condition and administer any medications or fluids via IV. Anyone who consumes too much alcohol too quickly may be in danger of an alcohol overdose, also called alcohol poisoning.
Treatment for alcohol poisoning
Alcohol affects many physical functions, including blood pressure, breathing, and a person’s level of awareness. Your doctor can diagnose alcohol poisoning based on your symptoms. They’ll also order blood and urine tests to check your alcohol levels. Your liver usually does a good job of keeping alcohol’s toxins from getting into your bloodstream. But if you drink a lot in a short time, your liver may not be able to keep up.
Diagnosis of alcohol poisoning is complex, requiring a physical examination, assessment of vital signs, and possibly diagnostic tests. There are a number of issues that interfere with the timely diagnosis of alcohol poisoning, and delays can worsen the consequences. The liver, which normally metabolizes and detoxifies alcohol, is damaged by chronic alcohol use. When you can’t metabolize alcohol efficiently, the harmful effects on your body occur quickly, have a more dramatic effect, and last longer. Alcohol also disrupts a person’s balance due to its effects on the brainstem and cerebellum.
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In any case, it’s unlikely that the paramedics or hospital team will call the police. Most states have Good Samaritan laws, which allow people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they’re having a drug or alcohol overdose or see someone else who is overdosing. Alcohol can irritate a person’s stomach, causing them to vomit–even when they are unconscious. In such cases, someone is in danger of choking on their own vomit, leading to asphyxiation and subsequent brain damage.2 Never leave a person alone who you suspect has overdosed on any drug, including alcohol. Signs of an overdose include confusion, unconsciousness, vomiting, and more. A person should seek emergency medical care to treat an alcohol overdose.
As a CNS depressant, a high blood concentration of alcohol can also inhibit respiration, usually resulting in a slow, shallow breathing pattern. Don’t assume you can sleep it off or that you’ll be OK in the morning. If you can’t sit up, lie on your side to prevent choking on your vomit. Ethanol also increases levels of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. This stage of intoxication is marked by emotional outbursts and a major loss of coordination.
Overdose Treatment and Outlook
This requires understanding the necessity of treatment, knowing the possible side effects of treatment, and being informed of the consequences of refusing help. Blood and urine tests can measure alcohol concentration, alcohol overdose providing helpful clues about whether alcohol poisoning is the cause of symptoms. Sometimes, however, alcohol may not be present in blood and urine even when the impact of alcohol poisoning is still quite evident.
In addition to the serious risk of death, alcohol poisoning can also lead to irreversible brain damage. Other long-term complications of heavy alcohol use include addiction, cancer, cirrhosis, liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, and mental health problems. It also increases the risk of unintentional injuries due to falls, drowning, assault, and car accidents. Alcohol poisoning happens when there’s too much alcohol in your blood, and parts of your brain shut down. It’s caused usually by binge drinking and can lead to death or brain damage. If you see signs of alcohol poisoning, such as throwing up, seizures, slow breathing, or severe confusion, don’t hesitate to call 911.