Alcohol poisoning is something not many people ever think about. Yet, each year there are people who die because they over-indulged and ended up with alcohol poisoning. Often, they could have survived if they or someone around them understood what to look for. Alcohol is common at most adult functions. It is legal and this makes many people mistakenly think it is safe but that isn’t the case. Alcohol abuse occurs regularly in both adults and teenagers. The younger drinkers are often the most susceptible to alcohol poisoning. During COVID-19, it is important to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse. Let’s take a deeper look at the subject.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
The slurred speech and stumbling that people who have drank heavily experience are actually some of the earliest signs of alcohol poisoning. These are often accompanied by clammy skin and smelling strongly of alcohol. As the poisoning takes greater hold, the individual may start to vomit, seem confused, and find it difficult to stay awake. Breathing and heartbeat slow and body temperature begin to fall. The skin may become extremely pale or turn a bluish color. In the final stages of alcohol poisoning, seizures may occur and the person may stop breathing. Their body temperature falls to the point of hypothermia setting in. Brain damage can occur and the person may experience seizures, a heart attack, coma, and even death. When you see someone start to exhibit the earlier signs of alcohol poisoning, it is essential that you seek help.
How Alcohol Poisoning is Treated
Do not leave a person alone when they are in this state. Call 9-1-1 and try to keep the person awake and moving. Once they arrive at the hospital, the medical staff will check blood and urine to make sure it is indeed alcohol poisoning. Then they will try to get the individual stabilized. Toxins will be removed from the blood and stomach. An IV will be used to make sure the person doesn’t become dehydrated. Extra oxygen may be required if the person is having difficulty breathing. Once the danger has passed, it is likely a hospital counselor will speak with the patient about what occurred and try to see that needed help is sought. They will likely point towards an addiction treatment center with alcohol abuse treatment.
Alcohol Poisoning Prevention
There are many things you can do to prevent reaching the point of needing help for alcohol poisoning. First, limit yourself to no more than one drink every 1-2 hours to give your body time to metabolize the alcohol. Other things you can do include:
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- Eat something before you drink
- Don’t mix alcohol with any drugs, prescription or illegal
- Don’t play drinking games
Drinking in moderation is possible for most people but for some individuals, it is necessary to avoid alcohol altogether. If you feel you are in that category, the best way you can prevent alcohol poisoning is to seek help for any alcohol abuse problem from an addiction treatment center.
Finding Help for Alcohol Abuse in Prescott, AZ
Alcohol abuse disorder is one of the most frequent reasons a person seeks professional help. Reaching out to places like the Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center can help a person who is at risk of alcohol abuse get their life back on track. If you or someone you love is at risk, call us today at 855.746.3633 and see if we offer the kind of treatment you feel comfortable with. Our program is designed to meet you where you are on your journey and help you get through the fog to the brighter future on the other side of recovery. Don’t let another day go by without reaching out. We are here and ready, willing, and able to help. Contact Viewpoint Dual Recovery by calling 855.746.3633 today.
