Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms | Alpine Recovery Lodge

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 18.5% of all emergency room visits nationally involve alcohol.

Alcohol poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition that arises from excessive alcohol consumption and is a leading cause of alcohol-related emergencies.

If you or a loved one are living with alcohol use disorder or consume excessive amounts of alcohol often, understanding the signs of alcohol poisoning is crucial for timely intervention that could be the difference between life and death.

This blog post will take a closer look at alcohol poisoning symptoms. Continue reading to learn more. 

What is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is an emergency medical condition characterized by dangerously high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels.

An elevated BAC most often occurs when someone consumes a large quantity of alcohol in a short period. This overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolize it, leading to an extreme amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Alcohol poisoning requires immediate attention to prevent additional health complications or death.

If you suspect that you or a loved one have alcohol poisoning, seek emergency treatment or dial 9-1-1 right away. 

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Alcohol affects different people in different ways. While some may have a low tolerance for alcohol, others may be able to consume more without feeling any significant effects.

Regardless of tolerance, there are key alcohol poisoning symptoms you should be aware of, including:

Key symptoms and signs of alcohol poisoning include:

• Confusion or stupor
• Vomiting
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Hypothermia due to a drop in body temperature
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• A dangerously low heart rate

What to Do If You Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning can be fatal if not treated promptly. You must seek emergency medical assistance by calling 9-1-1 or going to the nearest hospital if you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning.

Never leave the person alone. While waiting for help, do your best to keep the person awake and sitting up. Turning them onto their side can help prevent choking if they are unconscious and vomiting. Monitor their breathing and keep them warm if they feel cold to the touch.

When help arrives, report all findings and available information to the first responders or hospital staff.

It’s crucial to remember that there is no way to “sober up” a person with alcohol poisoning with cold showers, hot drinks, or caffeine. Do not try any of these methods.

The best and only effective treatment is immediate emergency medical attention.

Effective Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorderin  Utah

Alcohol use disorder and alcohol poisoning symptoms often go hand in hand– as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to severe health risks and poisoning.

Understanding the link between alcohol use disorder and the signs of alcohol poisoning is crucial for breaking the addictive and dangerous cycle.

You don’t have to face this recovery journey alone.

If you or a loved one are grappling with alcohol-related stress and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, we’re here to support you with effective and personalized alcohol use disorder treatment. 

Contact our compassionate team today to get the help and treatment you need sooner.