4 Ways to Cope With Alcohol Poisoning Complications

1. Don't Believe the Myths

A lot of so called "cures" for alcohol poisoning complications actually make the problem worse. Cold showers run the risk of choking the victim if he's having trouble breathing, while black coffee contains caffeine, which can dehydrate the victim along with the alcohol in his system. Both work well to stimulate the victim, but don't provide any additional benefits at all. When dealing with alcohol poisoning, skip the so-called folk wisdom and treat the problem medically.

2. Keep the Nose and Throat Clear

Don't let the victim lie on her back or stomach. Alcohol poisoning usually involves a lot of throwing up and if the victim is on her back, she could choke on it. If she's unconscious, first put her on his back and then roll her onto her side. Keep her there and monitor her to make sure she doesn't roll back over. If she's conscious and responsive, sit her up and make sure she stays there. Wipe away any excess liquids from her nose and throat and make sure that her breathing stays regular.

3. Keep the Victim Warm

Alcohol dulls the senses, which can be extremely dangerous on cold nights. The victim may not feel any numbness in his fingers and toes and in fact may feel perfectly warm even when he's freezing to death. Get the victim inside somewhere warm. Get him out of any excessively wet clothes--they just make things worse--and wrap him in a dry coat or warm blanket. If you can't get him inside, then put a dry coat or blanket on the ground for him to sit on. That keeps the cold ground from leaching heat from the body.

4. Water and Clear Liquids

Alcohol dehydrates the body--hangovers are caused when the body is too dried out and dehydration can create serious complications with alcohol poisoning. If the victim is conscious and able to take liquids, have him drink plenty of water, fruit juice or sports drinks like Gatorade. Not only will it slow the dehydration down, but it will mix with the alcohol already in the victim's digestive system and cut down its effect. The body will then be able to process the alcohol more easily and the risk of poisoning will be severely diminished. In extreme cases, medical personnel may give the victim a saline IV or similarly accelerated way of getting fluids into the body.