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What Is Alcohol Poisoning And How Do You Prevent It?

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol, usually over a short period, leading to a high level of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Introduction

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person drinks large amounts of alcohol in a short time.

It happens when someone engages in binge drinking, which is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, usually intending to become intoxicated.

Binge drinking and, consequently, alcohol poisoning are more common than you might think, and they can have serious consequences. 
&nbsp;

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol, usually over a short period, leading to a high level of alcohol in the bloodstream. When a person drinks too much alcohol, it can affect their body&#39;s ability to function properly.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a single session<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;While many people don&rsquo;t experience any adverse effects while engaging in binge drinking, it can lead to alcohol poisoning in some cases. 
&nbsp;

The amount of alcohol required to cause alcohol poisoning varies depending on several factors, including the individual&rsquo;s:

<ul>
	<li>Weight</li>
	<li>Gender</li>
	<li>Tolerance of alcohol 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

However, in general, it&#39;s considered that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is dangerous and can lead to alcohol poisoning<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a person&#39;s bloodstream, and it&#39;s used to determine whether someone is legally intoxicated. 
&nbsp;

The signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, a person simply appears drunk, while in more severe cases, they may lose consciousness or stop breathing altogether. Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/confusion">Confusion</a> and disorientation</li>
	<li>Slurred speech</li>
	<li>Slow or irregular breathing</li>
	<li>Low body temperature</li>
	<li>Bluish skin or lips</li>
	<li>Unresponsiveness</li>
	<li>Seizures</li>
	<li>Vomiting</li>
	<li>Dehydration</li>
	<li>Hypoglycemia</li>
	<li>Loss of consciousness 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, it&#39;s important to seek medical attention immediately. Alcohol poisoning can quickly become life-threatening when left untreated. 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 2,200 deaths due to alcohol poisoning in the United States in 2019, which is an average of 6 deaths per day<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.</li>
	<li>Among those who died from alcohol poisoning, 76% were males, and the highest death rate was among adults aged 35-64 years<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.</li>
	<li>90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the United States is during binge drinking episodes<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>.</li>
	<li>1 in 6 US adults binge drinks<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Understanding the Harmful Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

Adolescents who drink frequently run a higher chance of developing a variety of issues in the future. According to a study, alcohol dependence is four times more likely to develop in teenagers before the age of 15 than it is in those who start drinking at or after the age of 21<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.The average age of the first drink, first intoxication, and first alcohol-related problem among adults who became alcoholics were 13, 15, and 20, respectively<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.&nbsp;Additionally, kids who drink alcohol are more likely to take other drugs and fail to mature emotionally and cognitively, along with getting involved in crime<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.

Youth who increase heavy drinking between 18 and 24, consistently drinking heavily at least weekly during this period, find it difficult to successfully transition from adolescence to young adulthood. That is, they fail to complete goals regarding marriage, education, employment, and financial independence<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Alcohol poisoning can have serious long-term effects, especially if the person experiences brain damage or other complications as a result of the condition. Some potential long-term effects of alcohol poisoning include:

<ul>
	<li>Memory loss and other cognitive problems</li>
	<li>Chronic health problems, such as liver disease and pancreatitis</li>
	<li>Increased risk of certain types of cancer</li>
	<li>Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

In addition to the long-term effects of alcohol poisoning, binge drinking can also have other negative consequences, including an increased risk of accidents, injuries, and violence. 
&nbsp;

The best way to prevent alcohol poisoning is to avoid binge drinking altogether. Avoid drinking games or other activities that encourage the consumption of alcohol. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

If someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, it&#39;s important to seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, treatment may involve hospitalization, especially if the person has stopped breathing or is unconscious. 
&nbsp;

Generally, treatment for alcohol poisoning involves:

<ul>
	<li>Oxygen therapy to help with breathing</li>
	<li>Intravenous (IV) fluids to help prevent dehydration</li>
	<li>Monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature</li>
	<li>Administering medications to treat seizures, if necessary</li>
	<li>Inserting a tube into the windpipe to help with breathing, if necessary</li>
	<li>Using a urinary catheter to deal with an incontinency</li>
	<li>Pumping the patient&rsquo;s stomach in some cases 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It&rsquo;s important to seek medical attention right away. Meanwhile, AVOID doing the following:

<ul>
	<li>Do NOT drink caffeinated drinks or black coffee. It does not counteract the effects of alcohol poisoning.</li>
	<li>Do NOT sleep it off. It&rsquo;s crucial to stay awake during this time since it&rsquo;s possible to lose consciousness while asleep.</li>
	<li>Do NOT take a cold shower. Again, the shock of cold causes a loss of consciousness. On the contrary, cover with a warm blanket to avoid hypothermia.</li>
	<li>Do NOT walk it off. It&rsquo;s not possible to reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning; walking does not increase the speed at which alcohol leaves the body.</li>
	<li>Do NOT lie down. The person has to be up to avoid choking on their own vomit. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Early age and heavy drinking is a worrisome combination. Do people around you deserve that? In fact, do you deserve that? 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person drinks large amounts of alcohol in a short time.</li>
	<li>It happens when someone engages in binge drinking, which is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, usually intending to become intoxicated.</li>
	<li>Some common symptoms include confusion and disorientation, slurred speech, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, and loss of consciousness.</li>
	<li>Alcohol poisoning can quickly become life-threatening when left untreated.</li>
	<li>According to a study, alcohol dependence is four times more likely to develop in teenagers before the age of 15 than it is in those who start drinking at or after the age of 21.</li>
	<li>Additionally, kids who drink alcohol are more likely to take other drugs and fail to mature emotionally and cognitively, along with getting involved in crime.</li>
	<li>Youth who increase heavy drinking between 18 and 24, consistently drinking heavily at least weekly during this period find it difficult to successfully transition from adolescence to young adulthood.</li>
	<li>The amount of alcohol required to cause alcohol poisoning varies depending on several factors, including the person&#39;s weight, gender, and tolerance to alcohol.</li>
	<li>Treatment for alcohol poisoning involves: oxygen therapy, intravenous (IV) fluids, and monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.</li>
</ul>

[1] Alcohol poisoning deaths (no date) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[2] Drinking levels defined (no date) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

[3] Understanding the dangers of alcohol overdose (no date) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

[4] Alcohol poisoning (2018) Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

[5] Symptoms of alcohol poisoning & overdose (how to spot the signs) (2022) American Addiction Centers.

[6] National Research Council (US) and Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Developing a Strategy to Reduce and Prevent Underage Drinking; Bonnie RJ, O'Connell ME, editors. Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004. 3, Health Consequences of Adolescent Alcohol Involvement.

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