Alcohol poisoning can be defined as a dangerous state that develops as a result of excessive drinking of alcohol in quick succession. Its symptoms and how people should handle it is something that can be prevented, survived, and treated. In this blog, the reader will get acquainted with the main facts about alcohol poisoning, its manifestations, what should be done at this stage, and what treatments are possible.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning, on the other hand, occurs when blood alcohol level (BAL), which is also referred to as BAC, gets to high levels that it triggers a toxic effect in the body. This condition normally arises from binge drinking, which is described as the intake of five or more doses of alcohol for males or four or more doses for females within a period rarely extending to two hours.
When the liver is unable to metabolize alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream, which impacts the human brain and other organ systems.
Who is at Risk of Alcohol Poisoning?
The different persons are at different levels of risk regarding alcohol poisoning. Risk factors include:
Age: Adults are also categorized under early ages and they indulge themselves in binge drinking, thus the risks.
Gender: Women for instance, drink less alcohol than men because differences in body composition, enzyme level, and number make women have a low alcohol intolerance.
Pre-existing health conditions: Those with kidney or liver complications, for instance, are equally able to let alcohol be metabolized in the body.
Mixing substances: You are also very likely to be a candidate for serious problems if you take prescription drugs or non-prescription medicines while using alcohol.
Body weight and size: It was found that within the group of subjects, the ones with higher BMI measured a higher BAC than the ones with lesser BMI after consumption of ethanol.
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Common Causes of Alcohol Poisoning
The primary purpose for severe alcohol utilization is alcohol, the use of which is described as ‘binge drinking’. Other contributing factors include:
- Drinking on an empty stomach
- Drinking hard liquors
- Alcohol consumption in combination with energy drinks
- Drinking alcohol in competitions or fun events
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Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Detecting the symptoms of alcohol poisoning early could help prevent a slew of complications from becoming severe.
Common symptoms include:
- Confusion or stupor
- Vomiting
- Fewer than eight breaths per minute or more than 10 seconds between breaths.
- Low body temperature (well, hypothermia), cold or chilly skin
- Seizures
- Pale or bluish skin
- Lack of consciousness, inability to wake up
- As such, these symptoms can escalate quickly, and it is important to act quickly.
The Dangers of Alcohol Poisoning
If left untreated, alcohol poisoning can lead to severe health consequences, including:
- Hypoxic support of the brain
- If not treated, this leads to severe dehydration and the formation of seizures.
- Low Hypoglycemic The cases of fainting or convulsing.
- Bodily sensations of the vigorous organ are known as palpitations of the heart, also called irregular heartbeat or even heart attack.
In some cases, respiratory depression leads to the death of the person who was administered the substance in question.
What to Do in Case of Alcohol Poisoning
If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, follow these steps:
- Call 911 immediately: There is no need to wait for the strength to return to the person.
- Keep them upright: If the person is conscious, help him sit upright; this will prevent choking. Smoking produces carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Place them in the recovery position: A lot of people are inclined to choke on their vomit if not awakened; place the person on their side.
- Monitor their breathing and pulse: Their airways have to be open, and looking at them should give any sign of there being a problem.
- Do not leave them alone: Stay with the concerned person.
- Avoid giving food, water, or coffee: They will not, and in their case it can be made worse as any patient may spend many long hours without discomfort only to be followed by serious spells of the condition.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol Rehabilitation comprises the medical management of patients with alcohol toxicity. Treatment typically involves:
Oxygen therapy: In case of respiratory disorders, used when it is impossible to remain on one’s back.
Intravenous fluids: This is to compensate for the loss of water in the body and to promote the right balance of electrolytes in the people.
Medications: At times it is required that certain medications which prevent such courses as seizures or others are given out.
Stomach pumping: Worse still, the attending surgeons are forced to use a wash called gastric lavage to wash out alcohol in the stomach.
Preventing Alcohol Poisoning
The only certain way of avoiding alcohol poisoning is to drink alcohol in moderation. Here are some tips:
Set a limit: The possible choices include determination of the number of drinks to consume before getting to a point of overindulgence.
Pace yourself: Sip it, the way you should do any other spirits that have alcohol content in them, and in between the beer and wines, quench the throat with some water or a nonalcoholic beverage.
Eat before and during drinking: Alcohol takes a longer time to be metabolized out of the body when food is consumed.
Avoid drinking games: All these tend to overconsumption.
Know your limits: You should know how the body processes good quality liquor.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Poisoning
Even if an individual recovers from alcohol poisoning, there can be long-term consequences, such as:
- Liver damage
- Neurological impairments
- Chronic alcohol dependence
In addition to the physical illnesses, causing major mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Seeking Help
Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous health state that calls for correct identification and intervention. When people know the different signs and symptoms of this condition, they will be able to prevent it or seek medical assistance in case of an emergency.
If you feel you have a drinking problem or have any related issues, feel free to call us through the number (321) 415-3213, or better still visit Orlando Treatment Solutions. We’re here for you.
