Many people have experienced drinking more alcohol than planned and waking up the next day with a massive hangover. Sometimes, they may have no memory of the night before. These events can easily be waved off as just people having a good time, but drinking more alcohol than the body can handle can lead to dire consequences. Habitually drinking to excess can also lead to long-term negative effects on someone’s health. If you or a loved one is drinking too often or too much, look for alcohol rehab in Waltham, MA, to get the help you need.
Evoke Waltham understands how easy it can be to form a bad alcohol habit that leads to alcohol addiction. Our judgment-free facility focuses on giving patients the help they need to recover from alcohol and substance use. Our treatment programs utilize a wide variety of therapies that allow patients to achieve holistic healing, which is key to lifelong sobriety. If you want to take the first step towards a healthier future, contact us at 866.276.1920 to learn the signs of alcohol poisoning and how we can guide and support you.
What Are the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?
It’s not uncommon for someone to engage in binge drinking, especially if they are at a social event with free-flowing alcohol. However, there is a risk that someone who drinks excessively may get alcohol poisoning. Commonly referred to as alcohol overdose, this happens when the alcohol levels in someone’s blood become too high, and their liver is overwhelmed and cannot quickly remove the toxins. When this occurs, the areas of the brain that are in charge of basic life functions may begin to shut down, which can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
The amount of alcohol that a person can tolerate can vary greatly from person to person. This amount can be affected by someone’s age, drinking experience, gender, ethnicity, and how much food they’ve recently eaten. It is therefore important to note the following signs of alcohol poisoning in order to get medical attention if necessary quickly:
- Slurred speech and loss of coordination
- Dulled reflexes and the loss of gag reflex, which can cause choking
- Severe mental confusion or stupor
- Cold, clammy skin and low body temperature
- Drowsiness, difficulty remaining awake, or the inability to be roused
- Vomiting
- Slowed or irregular breathing
- Bluish or extremely pale skin color
- Slow heart rate
- Seizures
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, reach out to a medical professional or an addiction treatment center.
What to Do when Someone Shows Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
If someone is suspected of overdosing on alcohol, it is crucial to do the following in order to help them:
- Call 911 immediately
- Stay with them and try to keep them awake until help arrives
- Please encourage them to remain seated and upright
- Please do not leave them to sleep it off, as their blood alcohol level will continue to rise as their body digests the alcohol they’ve taken
- If the person is awake, explain your actions to prevent them from becoming aggressive or belligerent
- Do not let them walk around, as they may get into accidents
- Keep them hydrated by giving them water to drink if they can
- Coffee should be avoided as it can aggravate dehydration
- Do not let them drink more alcohol
- Since alcohol poisoning can cause hypothermia, keep them warm by covering them with a blanket
- If they are unconscious, turn them on their side to prevent them from choking
- Please do not attempt to induce vomiting, as their gag reflex may not work properly
Alcohol poisoning can cause severe damage and may even result in death. If someone is regularly binge drinking, it is essential for them to acknowledge their alcohol addiction and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Get Alcohol Rehab in Waltham, MA
At Evoke Waltham, we understand that recovering from alcohol addiction can be difficult. However, we are equipped to provide every patient with the proper guidance and support to help ease their recovery journey. Contact us at 866.276.1920 today to learn more about the signs of alcohol poisoning.
