Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex. This article looks at fatal blood alcohol levels, signs and treatment of alcohol overdose, what BAC is and signs of different BAC levels, and support with managing or quitting drinking. Recognize the warning signs of alcohol poisoning by remembering C.U.P.S. and help by taking C.A.R.E.
Additionally, many more people have lasting long-term effects from alcohol poisoning, such as brain damage or injuries that occur while overdosing on alcohol. Alcohol poisoning can also play a role in overdosing on other substances, such as opioids. If someone is experiencing an alcohol overdose, call emergency what is the sign of alcohol poisoning services immediately and provide details about the amount of alcohol consumed. While waiting for help, do not leave the person alone, monitor their breathing, and keep them sitting up or on their side to prevent choking. Additionally, individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) engage in binge drinking, which directly contributes to alcohol poisoning.
Like binge drinking, high-intensity drinking limits the body’s effectiveness at metabolizing alcohol. High-intensity drinking is considered another Substance abuse risk factor for alcohol poisoning and is characterized as consuming two or more times the binge-drinking amount for both women and men. In other words, the more alcohol you consume, the more at risk you are for alcohol poisoning. Binge drinking is a pattern of excessive and rapid alcohol consumption where the BAC is .08% or higher.
Teenagers and young adults who drink may be at particular risk for alcohol overdose. Research shows that teens and college-age young adults often engage in binge drinking and high-intensity drinking. Drinking such large quantities of alcohol can overwhelm the body’s ability to break down and clear alcohol from the bloodstream. This leads to rapid increases in BAC and significantly impairs brain and other bodily functions.
As you keep drinking and your BAC increases, alcohol https://malhamad.net/how-alcohol-affects-your-kidneys-short-long-term/ poisoning may occur. BAC for alcohol overdose is above 0.30%, with levels above 0.40% considered life-threatening. At these BAC levels, alcohol toxicity begins to suppress vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation, leading to unconsciousness or death. The signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning are confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia, pale or grayish skin, unconsciousness, and trouble staying awake. These symptoms reflect the central nervous system’s progressive shutdown due to toxic levels of ethanol in the bloodstream.