Many people enjoy drinking alcohol on special occasions or while they’re at family and friend gatherings. However, some people turn to alcohol to help cope with stress and hard times.
Some people who suffer from alcoholism drink heavily, which can lead to many health conditions. One thing they may experience is alcohol poisoning. Here’s a guide on the signs of alcohol poisoning and what to do in an emergency.
What Are Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?
Like other substances, alcohol overdoses can cause heavy trauma to the body and mind and possibly result in death. Some common signs of alcohol poisoning can include:
- You feel confused and like you are in a stupor.
- It becomes hard to stay conscious or awake.
- You begin vomiting.
- Your breathing slows and becomes irregular.
- You feel your heart slowing down.
- Your skin feels clammy.
- Your body is not responding as usual, such as a gag reflex
- Your body temperature gets so low that your skin turns bluish, and you look very pale.
Alcohol poisoning doesn’t happen all at once; it often starts with mild impairments that worsen as time goes on. Depending on your age, gender, weight, metabolism, alcohol sensitivity, the strength of the alcohol, how fast you drink, if you’ve eaten, or any medications in your body, it can affect how alcohol interacts with your body.
What to Do in an Alcohol Overdose Emergency
If you see signs of alcohol poisoning, you should immediately contact the emergency number. People do not have to show all symptoms to have alcohol poisoning. Some more signs that it’s time to contact authorities include:
- Is awake but unresponsive
- Can’t wake up or stay conscious
- Vomits
- Has a seizure
- Breathing is slowed to 8 breaths per minute or slower
- Breathes irregularly, with at least 10 seconds between breaths.
- Heart rate slows down
- Skin is clammy
- No gag reflex
- Skin looks bluish and feels very cold
- Has a seizure due to low blood sugar or dehydration
Do not leave the person alone and ensure that they do not choke on their vomit. Let the emergency respondents know what they drank and how much, any drugs they took, their medical conditions, and any medications.
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