Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning: Signs, Treatments, and Prevention

Alcohol Poisoning: Symptoms to Watch For and How to Prevent It

Alcohol poisoning is one of the most severe conditions and could potentially be fatal from binge drinking episodes. In contrast with common intoxication, alcohol poisoning can seriously deteriorate essential functions such as breathing, pulse, and hypothermia levels. 

Taking into consideration the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, risk factors, treatments, and the need to remain cautious, therefore, ensures better health.

This blog talks in detail about alcohol symptoms, how alcohol poisoning differs from simple intoxication, and management and prevention.

Understanding Alcohol Poisoning

So, what is alcohol poisoning exactly? It occurs when a person consumes alcohol faster than the body can metabolize it. The liver, by its ability, can only process around one standard drink per hour. After that, the quota becomes too massive for the liver to metabolize, resulting in alcohol poisoning. 

This surplus of alcohol disturbs the communication between the brain and the body, hence interfering with all vital functions, such as respiration, heart rate, or gagging. 

Alcohol poisoning is different from ordinary drunkenness, which might cause a temporary crippling condition. If not treated, it causes extreme conditions to the affected person, including choking, hypothermia, convulsion, and even death in the worst-case scenarios.

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

You can get proper intercession when you discover early signs that indicate that the patient is suffering from poisoning by alcohol. Some of the alcohol poisoning symptoms may include the following:

• Mental Confusion and Stupor: Some of the most common alcohol poisoning symptoms include appearing dazed and confused, failing to concentrate, and losing responsiveness.
• Vomiting: In the case of vomiting, this is usually a natural reaction for someone who has had one too many alcoholic beverages. However, when it is a case of alcohol poisoning, the individual will most likely choke, especially if he or she is unconscious.
• Seizures: Over-intake of alcohol negatively affects brain functions and hence causes convulsions and seizures and renders the individual susceptible.
• Slow or Irregular Breathing: Breathing fewer than eight times per minute or experiencing pauses longer than ten seconds between breaths are signs of respiratory distress.
• Hypothermia and Bluish Skin: Body temperature drops rapidly from the effects of alcohol poisoning, which may lead to pale or blue-tinged skin, particularly around the lips and fingertips.
• Loss of Consciousness: An individual who cannot be awakened or roused is likely to experience severe alcohol poisoning.
• Each symptom represents a potential emergency requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms vs Drunk Behavior: It is critical to distinguish between alcohol poisoning and simple intoxication, as the latter does not always need treatment. Here's the difference between signs of alcohol poisoning and drunk behaviour:

Risk Factors Contributing to Alcohol Poisoning

Most of the contributing factors to alcohol poisoning in humans are as follows:

• Binge Drinking Patterns: Intake of an enormous amount of alcohol over an extremely short period. For instance, taking more than five drinks in a span of a couple of hours frequently leads to binge drinking. 
• Body Weight and Composition: Smaller people and those with lesser body fat percentage tend to have metabolic rates that are lower as compared to other people, hence, a higher risk of developing alcohol poisoning.
• Age: Binge drinking is much more common in young adults, so they are more likely to be exposed.
• Concurrent Drug Use: Taking alcohol along with other medications or drugs, especially when mixed with sleep aids or opioids, increases the impact and risk of poisoning.
• Existing Health Conditions: Diseases like liver disease or metabolic disorders can easily disrupt the capabilities of the human body to metabolize alcohol.
• Tolerance Levels: Most people think that a person with a high tolerance level for alcohol will never suffer from alcohol poisoning. That is far from being true. The person drinks much more to acquire the needed level for the person's effect.
• The Importance of Early Recognition: Recognizing the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and to act quickly before it is too late is very crucial. If left untreated, alcohol poisoning can be fatal. Therefore, reach out to a healthcare provider for the right treatment if you have any of the above symptoms.

Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning treatment is primarily aimed at stabilizing the affected and addressing symptoms. This is what it involves:

• Emergency Interventions, Calling for Medical Assistance: Call emergency services immediately if alcohol poisoning is suspected. Doctors can administer lifesaving treatments.
• Monitoring Vital Signs: Check for breathing, pulse, and responsiveness. If not breathing, administer CPR.
• Preventing Choking: If the person is unconscious, place them in a recovery position on their side to prevent choking on vomit.

Hospital Treatments

In a medical setup, treatment may include:

• Oxygen Therapy: To help the patient breathe.
• Intravenous Fluids: For faster hydration and restoration of electrolyte balances.
• Medications: To stabilize other symptoms and prevent seizures.
• Intubation: A breathing tube is passed into the airway, so it does not close.

Home Remedies: Myths vs Reality

Most home remedies are ineffective and may even worsen the situation. Common myths include:

• Giving Coffee or Caffeine: Coffee does not sober someone up, nor does it cure alcohol poisoning.
• Forcing Food or Water: While hydration is essential, forcing liquids can increase the risk of choking.
• Cold Showers: Exposure to cold water after alcohol consumption can cause hypothermia, especially since a drunk person already has a low body temperature.

Only professional medical attention can be considered safe in these cases.

Long-Term Effects and Prevention

Surviving alcohol poisoning does not mean escaping unharmed. Repeated episodes lead to permanent health complications, such as the following:

• Liver damage or failure
• Cognitive impairments
• Chronic alcohol dependency

To prevent alcohol poisoning:

• Drink in moderation and pace yourself.
• Avoid drinking games or contests that encourage rapid consumption.
• Never mix alcohol with other substances.

Alcohol poisoning is a critical health emergency and requires immediate medical attention because, if left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Recognizing alcohol poisoning symptoms can help find the right treatment faster. Moreover, be aware and mindful of alcohol consumption to avoid alcohol poisoning.