Alcohol is made when grains, fruits or vegetables are fermented and the sugars are turned into alcohol. A 1984 federal law required all states to set the age of 21 as the legal age for purchase or public possession of an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol poisoning will occur more frequently as the result of rapid intake of alcohol, or binge drinking. Common myths about sobering up include drinking black coffee, taking a cold shower or sleeping it off. The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time, and that may be something individuals do not have when they are suffering from alcohol poisoning.
Central Nervous System
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism counsels college students that alcohol depresses the central nervous system. Many of the effects of alcohol poisoning are a result of both blood-alcohol concentration and its effects on the central nervous system. Signs that the nervous system has been affected include mental confusion, stupor, coma or when an individual cannot be awakened. Individuals may also exhibit confusion, slow reflexes, an inability to communicate effectively and slurred speech.
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is controlled by the brain, which is also a part of the central nervous system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safe and Sober Campaign, another sign of alcohol poisoning includes slowed breathing at less than eight breaths per minute or irregular breathing with 10 seconds or more between each breath. The respiratory system can also be affected by aspiration of stomach contents when the individual vomits. This means that stomach contents are accidentally breathed into the lungs. Vomiting while sleeping is another critical sign of alcohol poisoning that can result in aspiration and death.
Body Temperature
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safe and Sober Campaign, hypothermia, or low body temperature, is another side effect of alcohol poisoning. Hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest and death when left untreated.
Vomiting
According to KidsHealth.org, when the body has been poisoned by alcohol, one of the first responses is violent vomiting. It is the body's defense mechanism to inhibit any further absorption of alcohol into the blood system. In some instances, the individual will be awake and feel sick prior to vomiting, while in other instances, the person has already passed out and will vomit while sleeping.
Seizures
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, left untreated, vomiting can lead to severe dehydration. Coupled with the dehydrating effects of alcohol, this can cause seizures; permanent brain damage; hypoglycemia; and, eventually, death. Even if the individual lives through an alcohol poisoning, irreversible brain damage may be present.
