Since alcohol is socially accepted and commonly used, especially during social functions, the dangers of alcohol are often overlooked. Alcohol is a drug that can cause poisoning and even death. There are many physical effects that alcohol can have on the body. In excess it can be detrimental and deadly. According to Alcohol Abuse Info 1,400 American college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle accidents.
Depression of Nerves
Alcohol can depress nerves that control involuntary functions of the body, according to College Drinking Changing the Culture. This includes essential functions such as breathing and the gag reflex, which prevents someone from choking while vomiting.
Vomiting
Since alcohol can irritate the stomach, persons who drink an excessive amount of alcohol may vomit. This can result in depletion of fluids and cause dehydration, which can in turn cause a cascade of other events and complications. In addition, if someone is vomiting while under the influence of excessive alcohol, there is a potential for choking on his own vomit. Most persons who die from alcohol poisoning die from asphyxiation, or choking on their own vomit.
Loss of Consciousness
Excessive alcohol and binge drinking can lead to losing consciousness. This can put someone at a high risk for getting assaulted. Breathing can slow down, the heart beat can become irregular, the person may experience brain damage, low body temperature or even seizures. There is also a risk of going into a coma. Unfortunately, persons may think that someone losing consciousness due to alcohol is funny, but it can be a serious indication that there is a problem.
Other Effects
Someone with alcohol poisoning can experience confusion, slow reflexes, inability to walk and moist or clammy skin. Her skin may appear bluish or pale and she may have absent reflexes or not react to painful stimuli such as pinching. If you are with someone whom you think may be experiencing alcohol poisoning, it is best to seek medical attention before it is too late by calling 911. Stay with the person until help arrives. Revive the person if possible if they are losing consciousness. Turn them to the side if they are vomiting and perform CPR if they stop breathing.
