Blood alcohol poisoning occurs as a result of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Usually this consists of at least five drinks in a row, according to Mayo Clinic, but ultimately it depends on the height and weight of the drinker. Alcohol acts as a depressant, which slows down body functions and can cause a critical cessation of involuntary body mechanisms, including breathing, gag reflex and heart beat, which can lead to brain damage or death.
Identification
Slurring, stumbling and obnoxious behavior can be common signs of someone who is under the influence of alcohol. However, when someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, the signs become more apparent and more serious. Signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, continuous vomiting, slow breathing, low body temperature, skin that is bluish in color and unresponsiveness. If the individual has passed out and can't be awakened, that is a crucial sign of alcohol poisoning, notes College Drinking Prevention.
Care
If alcohol poisoning is suspected, check the breathing of the person. If breaths are coming more than 8 seconds apart or if there are fewer than 13 breaths per minute, a friend should call 911. If the skin is blue in color, if the person is unable to be woken up or if vomiting is persistent and uncontrolled, a witness should call for emergency care, advises UC Davis Student Health Services. While waiting for the arrival of an emergency professional, try to keep the intoxicated individual awake and conscious. Do not attempt to give the victim any food or drink. Monitor the intoxicated individual at all times. If vomiting occurs, make sure to turn the head to the side to prevent choking.
Misconceptions
Nothing can reverse the effects of alcohol intoxication except the passage of time, according to UC Davis. Some common misconceptions thought to sober up an individual include drinking black coffee, eating bread, giving a cold shower, walking it off and sleeping it off. Nothing should be ingested, because the risk of choking increases with alcohol poisoning. The cold temperature of a shower could result in shock, leading to unconsciousness, warns Mayoclinic.com. Falling asleep can also lead to unconsciousness, a dangerous state for someone with alcohol poisoning.
Risks
If a poisoned individual does not receive emergency treatment, serious consequences may occur. Because blood alcohol poisoning depresses the gag reflex, the victim may choke on his own vomit, resulting in death. Breathing or heart beat can also stop, resulting in death. A drastic drop in blood sugar may also occur, resulting in seizures, cautions College Drinking Prevention.
Prevention
Alcoholic beverages should always be consumed in moderation. Doctors recommend no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, reports Mayoclinic.com. In any case, consume no more than one drink per hour. This gives the body time to metabolize the alcohol without becoming overwhelmed. Ideally, alcoholic drinks should be alternated with nonalcoholic drinks.
