Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition and can sometimes be fatal if it is not detected in time. In this medical guide you will learn the dangers of alcohol poisoning and how to identify the signs of someone who may be in trouble due to their excessive consumption of alcohol. 

Alcohol poisoning most commonly occurs when an individual partakes in a form of binge drinking which is generally defined as having five or more drinks in rapid succession which sometimes occurs during a party or social event typically involving younger adults. However, it can also occur when someone accidently ingests a household product which contains alcohol.

Drinking alcoholic beverages in excess within a short period of time can affect your breathing, heart rate, and gag reflexes and can sometimes put an individual into a comatose state or may even cause death. 

Some of the warning signs you should be aware of when you know someone has been drinking are things such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, irregular breathing, seizures, extreme confusion, and pale or bluish skin tone. It is important to note that these symptoms do not all have to be present for a person to be in serious trouble and if they are in an unconscious state or you cannot wake them up they could still be in danger of dying.

If you find yourself in a situation where you believe someone may have a case of alcohol poisoning and they are conscious, you can telephone 800-222-1222 and your call will automatically be sent to your local poison control center who will advise you as to what actions you should take including whether or not the individual should be taken to immediately to your local emergency room.

If the individual is unconscious, vomiting uncontrollably, or taking less than eight breaths per minute you should immediately call 911 and follow the instructions given to you by the operator.