Alcohol poisoning is the result of drinking too much in a short period of time or of accidentally ingesting household products that contain alcohol. Binge drinking, or rapidly putting down five or more drinks, is a major cause of alcohol poisoning. Drinking too quickly can affect breathing, the heart rate and gag reflex, which can lead to choking, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic. It can eventually result in coma and death. Alcohol is directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining and the small intestine. The high level of alcohol can have a serious effect on the central nervous system.
Emergency
A person who has alcohol poisoning needs emergency treatment immediately. Treatment can include pumping the victim's stomach by inserting a tube into the person's nose or mouth and passing it down into the stomach. It also can include providing breathing support and intravenous fluids and vitamins until the alcohol is eliminated from the body. People who accidentally ingest methanol or isopropyl alcohol from household products might need kidney dialysis to speed the removal of alcohol from the bloodstream.
Symptoms
A person experiencing alcohol poisoning might breathe fewer than 13 times per minute or stop breathing for periods of 8 seconds or more, according to Student Health Services at the University of California-Davis. The skin might turn cold, clammy, pale and bluish. Other symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, low body temperature or unconsciousness. If you cannot wake up the person after he has been drinking heavily, it could be a case of alcohol poisoning.
Provide Care
A person who goes to sleep after drinking a lot may be all right, but it is important to provide care. If the person is sleeping, place her on her side. Put a pillow behind her to prevent rolling and choking that is caused by vomiting. Try to wake the person frequently. Alcohol levels can continue to rise even as a person sleeps. So sleep can turn into unconsciousness.
Stay Close
Because there are several indications of alcohol poisoning, stay with a person whom you suspect is a victim of alcohol poisoning, and be prepared to contact emergency authorities. If the person is vomiting, keep him standing or sitting up. If the person is conscious, but you suspect alcohol poisoning, call your local poison control center. A staff member will instruct you on what to do. Calls to poison control centers are confidential.
Warning
Some people have a tendency to try to get the person to vomit if he feels sick, but someone suffering from alcohol poisoning has an impaired gag reflex. He can choke or accidentally inhale vomit into his lungs.
