If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, it’s important to be aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when someone drinks too much alcohol in a short period of time.
At Skywood Recovery, we provide effective alcohol detox in Augusta, MI, that can help you or your loved ones begin the journey to recovery. Call us at 269.280.4673 to learn more.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is caused by drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. When you drink alcohol, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and circulated throughout your body.
Your body can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time. If you drink too much alcohol, it begins to build up in your bloodstream and starts to affect your body. Alcohol in the blood becomes so high that it starts to shut down the body’s vital systems.
What Does Alcohol Poisoning Look Like?
You may be wondering, “What does alcohol poisoning look like?” Well, if you have ever seen someone who has had too much to drink, you are already familiar with some of the symptoms. They may stagger, slur their words, or have trouble standing up. This is because alcohol affects the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination called the cerebellum.
Alcohol also affects the brain’s gag reflex, which is what keeps us from choking on our own vomit. When the gag reflex is impaired, a person can easily choke on their own vomit and die.
Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to hypothermia or low body temperature. This happens because alcohol dilates, or widens, the blood vessels. Causing blood to move away from the vital organs and to the surface of the skin. As the blood moves to the surface of the skin, the body loses heat, and the person’s body temperature drops.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
The signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning can vary depending on a person’s age, weight, and how much alcohol they’ve consumed. But there are some general signs that can indicate a person has alcohol poisoning, including:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Low body temperature
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
If you see someone displaying these signs, it’s important to get help right away. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and can be fatal.
Long-Term Health Risks of Alcohol Poisoning
While most people who have alcohol poisoning will recover, there are some long-term health risks associated with drinking too much alcohol. These risks include:
- Brain damage
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Permanent damage to the digestive system
Considering its long-term health risks, alcohol is more dangerous than most people realize. Alcohol poisoning is just one of the many dangers of alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, please get help. There are many resources available to you, and you don’t have to suffer alone.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Alcohol Poisoning?
If you think someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, it’s important to get help right away. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
If the person is conscious, you should try to keep them awake and standing. Should they vomit, make sure they are turned on their side so they don’t choke on their vomit.
If you suspect alcohol poisoning, the best thing you can do is to get help right away. Time is of the essence. The sooner the person gets medical help, the better their chances are of making a full recovery.
Alcohol Detox at Skywood Recovery
If you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder, we can help. At Skywood Recovery, we offer a comfortable alcohol detox program. Our addiction professionals work with you to help you detox from alcohol and can help make a difficult experience more bearable.
The treatment program is designed so that it can help you heal the underlying causes of your alcoholism and develop the tools you need to maintain sobriety. If you’re ready to get help, we’re here for you. Contact us today at 269.280.4673.