Alcohol poisoning is when a person overdoses on alcohol after consuming large amounts. Sadly, 6 people die of alcohol poisoning every day. So, it’s important to be able to identify alcohol poisoning signs. This way, if you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol poisoning, you can get the help you need. And, afterward, treatment in order to prevent alcohol poisoning in the future.

Recognizing Alcohol Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

Heavy drinkers should be able to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning so that serious damage can be prevented. Alcohol poisoning happens when a person consumes too much alcohol – enough for the liver to not be able to undertake the amount fast enough. When the liver can’t handle the amount of alcohol in the body fast enough, this causes alcohol levels in the blood to rise. And, can affect organs in the body including the brain, leading to issues with how the body manages its temperature, heart rate, and respiration. These effects can lead to even further issues and even death, so it’s vital to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning immediately.

Some of the other signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include:

• losing consciousness
• looking pale/sweaty
• feeling cold to the touch
• nausea
• disorientation
• inability to induce vomiting
• slowing heart rate
• decreased breathing
• seizing
• loss of coordination

What Can I Do For a Loved One With Alcohol Poisoning?

If you think that you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol poisoning, it’s necessary to get immediate medical help. Calling 911 emergency services is the quickest way to get help. Once medical assistance arrives, you may need to give them some information so they can make decisions about care including how much alcohol the individual has consumed, any other substances used in combination with alcohol, and the type of alcohol consumed.

Other things you can do along with calling emergency medical services include putting the individual on their side so they don’t choke on their vomit, keeping them from falling asleep, and performing CPR if the individual stops breathing.

Getting Help for Alcohol Abuse at Yellowbrick

Anyone who consumes too much alcohol in a short period of time can experience alcohol poisoning. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that, if a person experiences alcohol poisoning, the individual is dealing with alcohol abuse and/or addiction. However, alcohol poisoning can often be a sign that a person may be dealing with alcoholism if this is something that happens often. Binge drinking and drinking in large amounts is a common characteristic of alcoholism. So, if you find that you often overdrink to the point of your body shutting down or overdosing on alcohol, this may mean that you need help with alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse can lead to long-term, debilitating issues such as mental health issues, organ shutdown, cardiac arrest, and more. So, it’s important to get help for alcohol abuse through treatment. Treatment can help individuals recognize why they may drink in excess in order for them to address these issues through therapy. And, get medication in order to overcome alcohol withdrawal. Finally, treatment can provide a community of support in order to help individuals stay sober to obtain lasting recovery.

Yellowbrick helps young adults who are living with substance use disorder, including alcohol abuse, help through mental health treatment services. Find out more about our substance use program on our website.