Alcohol poisoning can be deadly. Did you know that six Americans die from alcohol poisoning every day? It can occur quickly—intoxication can become alcohol poisoning with little warning. Knowing the symptoms and signs of alcohol poisoning can save a life. At our alcohol detox center in Florida, our caring and compassionate team is dedicated to offering medical attention for alcohol poisoning and also providing education and treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Contact Honey Lake Clinic online or call 888.428.0562 to learn more about our faith-based approach and resort-like accommodations in The Sunshine State.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning occurs when too much alcohol is consumed in too short a window of time, flooding the bloodstream to the point where areas of the brain that control functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature are affected.
What happens to your body when you have alcohol poisoning? Alcohol poisoning is often connected with binge drinking in the United States. The typical definition of binge drinking is consuming four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more in the same period for men. The amount of time it takes for alcohol to impact the body, however, can vary based upon many factors—such as body weight, age, sex, unknown allergies to alcohol, hydration, and the amount of food eaten.
How to Recognize the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Here are the six most common signs of alcohol poisoning to look for in yourself or someone you know:
- Confusion – A person experiencing the effects of alcohol poisoning may become disoriented and confused as to where they are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing.
- Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting – Nausea and vomiting have long been associated with intoxication, a sort of sophomoric initiation or fraternal rite-of-passage. The risk is considerable, however, because when you are severely intoxicated, your gag reflex slows, which can lead to choking.
- Slow breathing and heart rate – Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can affect brain and nervous system function to slow breathing, heart rate, and other vital systems. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in short windows of time can negatively impact several of your body’s essential functions.
- Low body temperature – Brain functions that regulate your body’s temperature may also be affected. Alcohol widens blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to your skin. This leads to the sensation many people have of “getting warm” when they drink. That feeling of warmth, however, can mask a drop in body temperature to dangerous levels, leading to hypothermia.
- Blue lips or pale skin – Related to being cold—a sudden drop in body temperature or hypothermia—blue lips, fingertips or nails, clammy, pale, or flushed skin can be recognizable physical signs of alcohol poisoning.
- Passing out – blackouts and losing consciousness are apparent signs of alcohol poisoning and should be taken very seriously—especially in connection with nausea and vomiting, as someone who is unconscious and with a slowed gag reflex is in grave danger of choking to death on their own.
Every incident of alcohol poisoning is dangerous and potentially deadly. Serious effects can occur after just a few drinks, particularly for those who are not used to drinking alcohol or have underlying health conditions.
How to Get Help for Alcohol Poisoning
Professional medical treatment for alcohol poisoning is essential. If you or someone else is exhibiting these signs and symptoms, acting quickly and getting medical attention immediately is necessary. Once the crisis is averted, get the kind of help that addresses the issues behind the alcohol consumption—the kind of help that brings healing and recovery. Reclaim your story at Honey Lake Clinic in Greenville, FL.
Enroll in Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Honey Lake Clinic
At Honey Lake Clinic, we provide medically monitored detox for our patients, assisting them through alcohol withdrawal, as symptoms can be life-threatening in some instances. Following detox, we offer comprehensive therapy, getting to the issues behind the substance use, leading to healing and wholeness. Contact our team online or call 888.428.0562 to learn more.
