Signs of Alcohol Poisoning: What to Look ForBy Michaela

Do you think that you are suffering from alcohol poisoning or are you nervous about getting alcohol poisoning based on how much you consume alcohol? If so, it’s vitally important to know what the signs of alcohol poisoning are.

The best way to prevent these symptoms is to slow your drinking, but that’s a conversation for another time. In this post, we want to talk about the symptoms of alcohol poisoning so that you can be safe and take action if necessary, regardless of your drinking habits.

What is Alcohol Poisoning (Alcohol Overdose)?

First, let’s talk about what exactly alcohol poisoning is, the science behind it, and what it means for those that drink heavily and frequently.

Alcohol poisoning is when the body has ingested a toxic amount of alcohol, resulting in serious symptoms that can be life-threatening. When someone drinks heavily and quickly, their blood alcohol content (BAC) rises quickly, but it takes more time for the liver to process it. As a result, your body becomes overloaded with toxins related to alcohol.

Signs of Too Much Alcohol

The signs of alcohol poisoning are often very difficult to spot, especially if you are drinking with the person or people that might be experiencing the symptoms. Someone that is known to drink alcohol frequently, engage in alcohol abuse, or go binge drinking on a regular basis may have trouble understanding these signs. Look out for any of these signs and take action as soon as possible.

Confusion

Confusion is one of the most apparent signs of alcohol poisoning. In this state, an individual may be disoriented, unable to think clearly, and demonstrate poor judgment. This can manifest in a wide range of behavior, from simply seeming dazed to being aggressive or combative. This is caused by high blood alcohol concentration and leads to alcohol poisoning deaths.

Additionally, confusion can cause people to become forgetful or not be able to recall events that occurred while drinking. It is important for anyone with a drinking problem to recognize confusion as an early sign of alcohol poisoning and seek medical help immediately.

Slurred Speech

Slurred speech is one of the most common signs of alcohol poisoning. It is caused by the depressant effects of alcohol on the central nervous system, which affects a person’s ability to enunciate and articulate words accurately.

Slurred speech can range from sounding slightly muddled to being completely incomprehensible. It usually occurs after more than four drinks for men or three drinks for women have been consumed within two hours. If someone experiences slurred speech while drinking, they should be monitored closely and encouraged to drink some water or juice and to eat food.

In serious cases, medical attention may be necessary. Slurred speech can also indicate other conditions such as stroke or brain injury, so if it persists even after the person has sobered up, they should seek medical help immediately.

Loss of Coordination

Loss of coordination is another sign of alcohol poisoning. It occurs when a person’s motor skills and balance become significantly impaired due to drinking large amounts of alcohol. This symptom can be seen in someone who is stumbling, having difficulty standing or walking, or having trouble with hand-eye coordination tasks.

Loss of coordination can also include slurred speech and blurred vision, as well as vomiting and extreme confusion. In severe cases, loss of coordination can lead to unconsciousness and even death if medical attention is not sought immediately. 

Vomiting

Excessive vomiting can be a clear indicator that you have alcohol poisoning. It can occur due to a number of causes, including dehydration and irritation of the stomach lining. Vomiting can quickly become severe if it is not addressed immediately.

In some cases, it can even lead to the aspiration of vomit into the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Uneven breathing patterns or unresponsiveness may also accompany vomiting due to alcohol poisoning. If vomiting is observed in conjunction with any other signs of alcohol poisoning, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Vomiting can cause rapid and dangerous dehydration in an individual experiencing alcohol poisoning, so hydration and electrolyte replacement are essential for recovery from this type of illness.

Irregular Breathing

One of the most severe symptoms of alcohol poisoning is irregular breathing. This symptom is a significant indication that an individual has consumed too much alcohol and may need medical attention right away. It is characterized by long pauses between breaths or shallow, rapid breaths. Alcohol can affect basic life support functions and can even result in permanent brain damage as a result of the lack of oxygen. Alcohol poisoning treatment involves trying to address the damage caused by this and prevent it from shutting down major organs.

A person experiencing this symptom may also breathe out with a gurgling or snoring sound. It is a sign the body is not getting enough oxygen and could be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If someone’s breathing pattern becomes noticeably irregular, it could mean their lungs are affected by the amount of alcohol they have consumed, and they will require immediate medical attention.

In extreme cases, if left untreated, irregular breathing can lead to coma or even death.

Low Body Temperature

Low body temperature and hypothermia present a very real threat to someone with alcohol poisoning. A person’s body temperature can drop to below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and if it falls lower than this, it could be life-threatening. The risk is even higher for people with existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems. Low body temperature can cause drowsiness or confusion, and also affects the ability to think clearly.

It may be accompanied by a weak pulse, blue lips and fingernails, and shallow breathing. If left untreated, it may result in a coma or death from hypothermia.

Experiencing Alcohol Poisoning Frequently?

If this is a recurring issue for you, you might be interested in a program offered by The Alcohol Coach, which can help to solve alcohol dependency. The Alcohol Coach approaches alcohol dependency from a place of positivity and self-empowerment to help you overcome dependency and regain control of your life.

Let’s Recap

Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition and should be addressed immediately. Signs of alcohol poisoning include loss of coordination, vomiting, irregular breathing, and low body temperature. If any of these symptoms are observed in someone who has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, they should seek medical help right away to avoid the risk of further complications or death.