Facts About Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol Poisoning Isn't Funny

For many, the sight of a friend falling around in an alcohol-induced state may cause a great amount of amusement, when what should be noted is the potential risk of death the individual may be exposed to if he has such a high level of alcohol in his system.

It may be unlikely that young people will have any knowledge of or appreciation for the dangers that alcohol may pose. In many cases, it is only when a serious incident occurs and emergency treatment is required that facts about alcohol poisoning are really appreciated.

Facts About Alcohol Poisoning: Effects and Dangers

When high levels of alcohol enter the blood stream, various vital bodily functions become compromised due to the role alcohol plays in depressing nerves within the body. These can alter the person's ability to:

• Breathe normally
• Swallow
• Vomit
• Remain conscious and alert
• Maintain a safe body temperature
• Avoid incontinence

Alcohol poisoning builds up over a period of time when the blood becomes toxic because it cannot expel the alcohol as fast as it is being consumed. When becoming familiar with alcohol poisoning facts, you must realize that the individual who is drunk is likely to be so affected by it that they themselves will not be alert to danger.

If everybody maintains a heightened awareness of the dangers, it could one day potentially save a life. The following signs may be evident when alcohol poisoning has reached a dangerous point:

• Confused state: Altered levels of consciousness, or coma
• Vomiting: Often associated with choking or gagging
• Shallow Breathing: Associated with altered mental state
• Seizures: Associated with toxicity of alcohol in the blood
• Lowered Body Temperature: Potentially resulting in hypothermia

Any one of these can be fatal, but in an individual with alcohol poisoning there is likely to be a combination of factors in play.

How Alcohol Poisoning is Treated

When true alcohol poisoning occurs, hospitalization is always necessary. Until the effects of the alcohol go down to a safe level, there is an immediate risk of dying.

If you suspect that a friend may have alcohol poisoning, it is essential to call 911 even if it turns out not to be the case. Safety comes first, and risks should never be taken.

In hospital, the individual will undergo the following:

• Monitoring of heart rate
• Recording of blood pressure and temperature, as alcohol can lower both
• Warming the body inside and out by the use of warm blankets and intravenous fluids
• Administration of oxygen to increase consciousness and blood oxygen levels
• Intravenous glucose to increase the blood sugar level

All of this is due to the effects of a drug that can be limited and used safely. This is the reason why facts about alcohol poisoning should be made more public. This valuable knowledge may help to avoid unnecessary injuries and/or fatalities.

How to Avoid Alcohol Poisoning

Some people just don’t know their own limits when it comes to alcohol intake. What can be an enjoyable experience for some can, in others, turn out to be a trip to the E.R with life saving treatment being given. It is important to remember that age, weight, metabolism and medical history can all affect the way people individually respond to the effects of alcohol. Therefore, it is crucial to be familiar with your own safe limits.

Binge drinking is particularly dangerous. Unfortunately, it has become a cultural activity for teens and young adults who are often inexperienced with the use of alcohol. It is a lot safer to space out the recommended weekly limit on alcohol consumption over the entire week, as opposed to cramming all the drinking into the weekend. That way, the body can excrete the alcohol safely without a person becoming poisoned.

Since people are drinking alcohol at a much younger age (often illegally), the cumulative effects can be devastating. As well as the risk of alcohol poisoning, a person can be at risk for serious liver failure. In some cases, this is irreversible.

Alcohol is intended to be enjoyed as a social pastime. When consumed in moderation, it can enhance an enjoyable night out. As long as it is used that way and not abused, everybody can remain safe.