What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is often confused with general alcohol intoxication. But in reality, it’s actually a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when someone consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period.

At Addiction Advocates, we are committed to spreading awareness of alcohol and its potential effects when abused, especially for those struggling with alcohol addiction or those supporting someone in recovery.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, what causes it, how it can be prevented and what to do in the case of an emergency.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is a condition that happens when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that the brain’s essential life-support functions (e.g. breathing, heart rate, and temperature control) begin to shut down slowly.

This can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and even death if not treated promptly. It’s also not just binge drinking that can cause alcohol poisoning – any heavy drinking session can result in this dangerous condition.

Here are some lesser-known facts on the dangers of alcohol poisoning:

• According to the most recent data available, alcohol poisoning claimed the lives of 2,467 people in the US and 552 in the UK in a year.
• When someone has alcohol poisoning, their gag reflex depresses, which increases their risk of fatal choking on vomit.
• Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can continue to get worse, even after a person has stopped drinking. This is because alcohol continues to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Inhaling vomit into the lungs can lead to a severe lung infection called aspiration pneumonia.
• Repeated instances of alcohol poisoning or drinking to the point of blackout have been shown to cause long-term cognitive impairment and memory issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

Recognising the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning is essential for providing immediate assistance. Here are the key indicators to look out for:

Extreme Confusion and Disorientation

One of the first signs of alcohol poisoning is extreme confusion and level of consciousness.

This can look like a person who seems very disoriented and unable to understand where they are, who they’re with, their surroundings, or engage in coherent conversation.

Confusion caused by alcohol poisoning is a result of alcohol’s depressant effects, which start affecting the brain in a few ways:

• Alcohol slows down how the brain sends and receives signals. This makes it harder to think clearly or make sense of things.
• The brain cells need to communicate with each other to work properly. Alcohol makes this communication slower and less accurate, so the person might feel confused about where they are or what’s happening.
• Drinking a lot can cause the body to lose a lot of water. This can mess up the balance of important chemicals in the body, which are needed for the brain to work normally. When these chemicals are out of balance, it can make the person feel even more confused.
• Too much alcohol can actually damage the brain. This damage can lead to severe confusion and make it hard for the person to understand what’s going on.

Slow, Shallow or Irregular Breathing

Normal breathing rates for adults sit at roughly 12-20 breaths per minute. So, if someone has been heavily drinking and has started to breathe less than eight times a minute or if there are gaps of more than 10 seconds between breaths – it’s a strong sign of alcohol poisoning.

Slow, shallow or irregular breathing indicates that the alcohol is beginning to depress the central nervous system, which controls the respiratory system.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a typical response to excessive alcohol consumption, so it isn’t exclusive to just alcohol poisoning. But, although it might seem like a natural way for the body to rid itself of toxins, it can be very dangerous in this context.

Vomiting has the potential to lead to choking, but this is especially the case if the person is unconscious or semi-conscious. So, if you see someone vomiting excessively after drinking, it’s a sign that their body is struggling to cope with the alcohol, and they need help.

Seizures

In severe cases, alcohol poisoning has been known to cause seizures. This is due to the sudden drop in blood sugar levels and the brain’s impaired functioning.

Seizures are a very serious sign of alcohol poisoning and are classed as medical emergencies requiring immediate attention. If someone starts having seizures after drinking heavily, call emergency services right away.

Hypothermia

Alcohol can cause body temperature to drop significantly, leading to hypothermia. This is because alcohol essentially dilates our blood vessels, which increases our ability to retain heat loss from the body’s surface. Signs of hypothermia include:

• A bluish skin colour (especially lips and fingertips)
• Shivering
• Numbness
• Slurred speech
• Overly tired and sluggish
• A low body temperature (feel cold to the touch).

Just like seizures, hypothermia is also classed as a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

Unconsciousness

If a person passes out and cannot be woken up, it’s a critical sign of alcohol poisoning.

At the stage of unconsciousness, the person isn’t just in the middle of a heavy sleep – it’s a state of unconsciousness where the brain is severely affected by alcohol.

If someone cannot be roused or shows no response to stimuli, call your local emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the person will “sleep it off”, as fast medical intervention can save a life.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Alcohol Poisoning?

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, it is essential to act quickly and decisively. Here are the steps you should take:

• Get help from medical professionals: The first and most important step is to call emergency services immediately.
• Try to keep them awake and sitting up: If the person is conscious, try to keep them awake and sitting up. Do not leave them alone or let them fall asleep. Keeping them upright can help prevent choking if they vomit.
• Try to help them to sip water: If the person is conscious and able to swallow, offer them water. Do not give them coffee or any other caffeinated drinks, as these can worsen dehydration.
• Don’t leave them alone: Never leave a person alone who might have alcohol poisoning. Stay with them until help arrives. Monitor their breathing and keep them as comfortable as possible.
• Do NOT make them vomit: Forcing someone to vomit can cause choking or aspiration, where vomit gets into the lungs. Always wait for medical professionals who can handle the situation safely.

How to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning

Although understanding the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning is important and stops situations going from bad to worse – prevention is always better than cure. See below for some tips to help prevent alcohol poisoning:

• Everyone has different tolerance levels for alcohol. Understanding and respecting your limits can prevent excessive drinking. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.
• Pace yourself by drinking slowly and alternating alcoholic drinks with water. This can help prevent the rapid increase of alcohol levels in your bloodstream.
• Eating before drinking won’t stop you from becoming intoxicated if you’re drinking heavily, but it can slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Choose foods high in protein and fat, as these can help absorb alcohol better than carbohydrates.
• Binge drinking is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period. This is particularly dangerous and a common cause of alcohol poisoning. Limit the number of drinks you have in a single session.
• Different drinks have different alcohol contents. Be aware of how much alcohol is in each drink and how much you’re consuming overall.

Need Help With Alcohol Abuse? Call Us Today

Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Recognising the signs and symptoms can save lives.

At Addiction Advocates, we are dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol poisoning and supporting those affected by addiction. By knowing what to look for and how to respond, you can help protect yourself and others from this dangerous condition.

If you need help or advice on alcohol abuse and addiction, please call us today on 0800 012 6088 for free support.