It also includes binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. Of course, not every drink is going to lead to alcohol poisoning, but it’s still important to understand that it can be serious. So if you find that a glass or two turns into a bottle or more, you might want to take a hard look at your drinking habits, Dr. Andrews suggests. Asking for help can be scary, especially if you’re not sure what treatment can entail—but there are people who are experienced in substance use disorders who are ready to support you.
In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions. There is no way to reverse alcohol poisoning; medical intervention is needed to protect the individual’s life. Calling 911 and keeping your friend safe until help arrives is the first step to safely treating someone with alcohol poisoning.
What are the risk factors for an alcohol overdose?
Even when the person is unconscious or stops drinking, the stomach and intestines continue to release alcohol into the bloodstream, and the level of alcohol in the body continues to rise. Limiting alcohol intake, drinking slowly, eating before and while drinking, and avoiding “rounds” or “drinking games” can all help you keep your alcohol consumption in check. Being mindful of your personal alcohol tolerance and not succumbing to peer pressure are also important strategies to adopt.
- Alcohol toxicity causes the body’s communication system to slow, which can also slow down other vital functions like breathing.
- You may also be given help with your breathing until the effects of the alcohol wear off.
- If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.
If you suspect an alcohol overdose and the person is unconscious, do not leave them alone. You don’t need to have all of the symptoms listed above warning signs of alcohol poisoning to have an alcohol overdose. If someone’s breathing has slowed to less than eight breaths per minute — or if they can’t be woken up — call 911.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Binge drinking, then, is defined as having four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more drinks on one occasion for men. Most people who binge drink consume an average of eight drinks per binge, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-rebuild-your-life-after-addiction-how-to-regain-trust/ though. The best way to reduce your risk is to keep your alcohol consumption low or consider non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative. If someone experiences alcohol poisoning, they will need time to recover.