Alcohol Poisoning

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is different from being drunk. Drunkenness involves impaired judgment, being unable to make smart choices and decisions, and loss of coordination. Walking in a straight line may become difficult and speech may be slurred. Some people become loud and boisterous; others become quiet. But the person remains able to speak and communicate. He or she does not appear to be in distress.

Alcohol poisoning is much more dangerous. It occurs when the person has ingested so much alcohol that the body can not process it safely. A person suffering from alcohol poisoning may have difficulty understanding what is said to him. His coordination may become so poor that he can not walk or even stand. He may pass out or fall asleep and be difficult or impossible to arouse.

Why It's Dangerous

Alcohol depresses the normal functions of the nervous system. A person with alcohol poisoning can't control normal body processes. It's common to vomit after consuming a lot of alcohol, because alcohol irritates the stomach. But a person with alcohol poisoning may not realize what has happened and can actually choke to death on the vomit.

Severe alcohol poisoning can also lead to:

• Breathing that is too slow or may even stop
• A heartbeat that is irregular or may stop
• Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) because the body can not regulate its temperature
• Seizures
• Permanent brain damage

How Alcohol Poisoning Occurs

Alcohol poisoning can happen to anyone. It doesn‘t matter if you are a new drinker or an old hand. Our bodies can only break down so much alcohol at a set rate. The human liver can metabolize about one drink per hour. That's a 4 ounce glass of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. Mixed drinks may contain a lot more than one serving of alcohol.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream and is broken down by the liver. Anyone can overwhelm a functioning liver by drinking too much too fast. Alcohol remains in the bloodstream for as long as the liver takes to break it down. If alcohol is consumed too quickly, the liver can't keep up and the blood alcohol level becomes dangerously high.

How to Help

Call 911 immediately if you suspect alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is potentially fatal. Don’t listen to the drinker’s protests that they are fine and need to “sleep it off.” Remember, sleeping drinkers can literally choke on their own vomit. In addition, blood alcohol levels can actually rise during sleep, making a bad problem worse.

If the person does pass out or fall asleep, monitor them closely. Watch for trouble signs like choking or difficulty breathing. Do not try to induce vomiting. Loosen restrictive clothing around the neck and chest to promote free breathing.