Alcohol Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

The brain maintains neurotransmitter balance by using inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms. Initially, alcohol use enhances the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which produces the feelings of calm and relaxation. Chronic alcohol usage, however, eventually suppresses GABA activity so that more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effects. Chronic alcohol consumption suppresses the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of excitability. To create equilibrium, glutamate in the brains of those who drink chronically responds by functioning at a far higher level than that of non-drinkers or moderate drinkers. Women reach higher BAC levels than men with fewer drinks and quicker consumption, which can increase their risk of alcohol poisoning.

Other alcohol overdose causes may be less common but are still possible. For instance, there are other household items that contain alcohol that can lead to overdose. Alcohol overdose is a serious and life-threatening situation that can arise when you drink too much alcohol in one sitting for your body to handle. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. If a person suspects someone has alcohol poisoning they should call an ambulance.

What Does the Hospital Do for Alcohol Poisoning?

If you notice someone is stumbling or confused while drinking, it’s best to watch over them while keeping them away from alcohol. “The first thing to do is to make sure no further alcohol is consumed.

You may receive treatment at one of our facilities at a reduced rate. Remember, alcohol affects people in different ways, so this chart should only be used as a guideline. When too much alcohol is consumed and the body cannot process the amount, there can be very serious consequences.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcohol poisoning can affect anyone who has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. However, certain groups of individuals are more susceptible to over-drinking that may potentially lead to alcohol poisoning, including college students and middle-aged adults. Keep in mind that anyone who drinks an excessive amount of alcohol too quickly is at risk for alcohol overdose.2 Binge drinking is a form of alcohol misuse that can lead to alcohol overdose. However, death is not the only consequence of excessive drinking. Alcohol can be especially harmful to a person’s health, and many alcohol-related deaths are caused by the resulting repercussions of excessive alcohol use, such as cancer or liver disease. Can increase your risk of alcohol overdose, as tolerance requires an individual to drink more heavily to experience any side effects.

If a friend or loved one appears to have alcohol poisoning, call 911 right away. The sooner they get treatment, the more likely you can prevent severe damage. Don’t start drinking or increase the amount you drink on the basis of potential health benefits. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation – up to 1 drink a day for women or up to 2 drinks a day for men. Avoid drinks with unknown alcohol content or mixing alcohol with energy drinks. Caffeine can mask alcohol’s effects and cause people to drink more than they intend.

Body size

Lastly, a risk factor for alcohol overdose is your tolerance level. Much like other kinds of substance use, as you increase your tolerance, you’re more likely to need more alcohol to achieve the same effects. On the other hand, younger individuals like teens and young adults can also be at high risk for alcohol overdose due to the popularity of binge drinking in these age groups.

Simply fill out a brief assessment online to save $100 and match with a licensed therapist today. Home remedies for alcohol poisoning, such as drinking black coffee, cold showers and sleeping off the effects, are myths and can worsen the situation. If the patient has already lost consciousness, keep them on their side to avoid the risk of aspirating on vomit. Because alcohol overdose can lead to hypothermia, it is important you keep them warm. If you suspect that someone has had an alcohol overdose, and you have called paramedics, it is important to keep the patient awake, as the loss of consciousness can be dangerous and even fatal.

Alcohol Overdose and the Bacchus Maneuver

If you choose to drink alcohol, follow the dietary guidelines. Partner with police, community groups, health departments, and doctors, nurses, and other health care providers to reduce binge drinking and related harms. Supporting proven programs and policies to reduce binge drinking. Alcohol dependence was identified as a factor in 30% of alcohol poisoning deaths.

• You also may need vitamins and glucose so that you can avoid the most serious complications of alcohol overdose.
• Hangover symptoms, on the other hand, are different from alcohol poisoning.
• This can increase an individual’s risk of being injured from falls or car crashes, experiencing acts of violence, and engaging in unprotected or unintended sex.
• Prompt treatment of an alcohol overdose can prevent life-threatening health problems.
• If a person is unconscious or lying down, roll him or her onto one side with an ear toward the ground to prevent choking.

As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services. Before being released from the hospital, it is important to ask about follow-up care with a health professional. A social worker may meet with you prior to discharge to assess your need for addiction or mental health treatment services. Moderate drinking is defined as2 drinks per day for men and 1drink per day for women. According to NIAAA, binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings BAC up to 0.08, which usually occurs after 4drinks for women and 5 drinks for men within a 2 hours.