Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition that results from excessive drinking within a short time period. Binge drinking, a primary cause of alcohol poisoning, runs rampant on college campuses in America. By gaining understanding of the potential risks, consequences and potential means of prevention, you can make responsible decisions regarding your own lifestyle habits and lead loved ones in discussions that may help save their lives.
Definition
Binge drinking involves excessive amounts of alcohol, consumed over a short period of time. Alcohol poisoning occurs when high levels of alcohol enter the blood stream and result in serious, potentially life-threatening health consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, binge drinking, defined by consuming at least five alcoholic beverages in a row, is the primary cause of alcohol poisoning.
Significance
Binge drinking and alcohol poisoning pose a number of serious, potentially life-threatening consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive alcohol consumption can cause irritation to the stomach, which leads to vomiting. Intense vomiting may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Loss of conciousness may result from binge drinking and alcohol poisoning. Since gag reflexes are weakened while unconcious, your risk of choking on your vomit is increased. Vomit may also enter your lungs, which can lead to a life-threatening interruption of breathing (asphyxiation). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) suggests that college students, ages 18 to 22, binge drink more than any other age group in the United States. These students are eight times more likely to skip classes, fall behind in coursework, attain injuries and damage school property than students who refrain from such behaviors.
Symptoms
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, blue-toned or pale skin, low body temperature or loss of consciousness. Sufferers of alcohol poisoning may exhibit one or numerous common symptoms. If the person is unconscious and cannot be wakened, risk of death increases. If you observe any symptom of alcohol poisoning in a friend or loved one, seek immediate medical attention. The Mayo Clinic suggests calling 911 if a person's breathing slows to fewer than eight breaths per minute or if the person vomits profusely or loses consciousness.
Risk Factors
Though college students in general stand at heightened risk for binge drinking and alcohol poisoning, certain young adults carry the highest risk. According to the USDHHS, college students who live in sorority or fraternity houses are more likely to binge drink than those who do not, and students drawn to "party schools" or who drank excessively during high school are at increased risk for continuing such behaviors in college. College students who develop binge drinking behaviors may also exhibit compulsiveness, devious behavior or symptoms of emotional disorders, such as anxiety or depression. If you fear that you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of binge drinking, seek guidance from a qualified professional, such as a school psychologist or professor.
Prevention and Solution
Many colleges offer educational programs and literature pertaining to the dangers of binge drinking. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, additional efforts are required. Harvard suggests implementing comprehensive strategies that aim to restructure the social environment that contributes to binge drinking behaviors. For example, college administrators, parents and students can make efforts to have the legal drinking age enforced on campus and in off-campus student housing. Inviting dynamic motivational speakers who address specific issues regarding binge-drinking and alcohol poisoning to share personal stories and insight with college students may prove more powerful than textbooks or pamphlets alone. If you suspect binge drinking behaviors at your or a loved one's college, brainstorm with other concerned community members and develop a plan of action.
