Alcohol poisoning is the result of consuming too much alcohol in a short amount of time. There are serious, potentially deadly side effects of alcohol poisoning. Drinking alcoholic beverages, or even alcohol-containing household products, at an excessive volume or rate can lead to poisoning, explains the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the body, resulting in it reaching the brain within a minute of consumption. It takes much longer for the alcohol to be processed by the liver and excreted by the body.
Mental Changes
Confusion is one symptom of alcohol consumption. It is also considered to be a sign of alcohol poisoning. An individual who struggles to speak, see, walk or fulfill any motor task is considered to be intoxicated. Even though drinking to obtain this type of buzz is common, it is caused by alcohol poisoning when the blood alcohol level has risen.
Vomiting
Vomiting after excessive consumption of alcohol is the body's way of getting rid of toxins. This is a clear sign that too much alcohol has been consumed. Nausea, including mouth watering and the urge to vomit, often precedes a bout of vomiting. This discomfort can continue until a sufficient amount of alcohol has been removed from the body.
DrinkingPrevention.gov explains that high alcohol levels can prevent the individual from carrying out normal tasks. This includes swallowing and breathing correctly. Death can occur if the individual chokes on her own vomit.
Respiratory Effects
Breathing irregularities can develop when the amount of alcohol in the blood has increased enough to prevent the blood from effectively carrying oxygen throughout the body. The skin may become blueish or pale from the diminished oxygen levels. The University of California-Davis points out that the skin may be cold and clammy to the touch. The individual may breathe slowly, taking shallow breaths. The university suggests the individual may take 13 or fewer breaths each minute or may only take a breath once every eight seconds.
Shock
The Mayo Clinic suggests individuals with alcohol poisoning may experience seizures and a drop in body temperature. These symptoms are serious and are signs the body is going into shock. If the individual loses consciousness and cannot be woken, death is possible. The body may be shutting down from the excessive alcohol consumption. Any signs of shock require emergency medical treatment.
Severe dehydration can result when the individual consumes more alcohol than hydrating liquids, states DrinkingPrevention.gov. When the individual passes out, she may be in a coma, which is the body's way of attempting to support itself under the hazardous conditions. Brain damage is a potential consequence of alcohol poisoning.
