Alcohol Poisoning: The Effects and Next Steps

Alcohol Poisoning: The Effects and Next Steps

You might be tempted to ask what are the symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol when you have seen someone with alcohol poisoning. As alcohol poisoning hits, general brain function gets slowed down. While it will start with body balance, it will slowly creep into other systems as well. An irritated stomach will cause vomiting. The loss of sensitivity in the muscles, which stops the gag reflex, can cause people to choke on their own vomit. Problems with the nerves controlling breathing and heart rate will lead to a slowing down or stopping both functions. A drastic drop in blood sugar level will happen which can cause a seizure. A drop in body temperature can potentially leading to hypothermia.

If you drink to excess or know people who do, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of Alcohol poisoning. Recognizing the signs means that you are potentially able to save a life. Most common symptoms include:

Most common symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning include:

  • Vomiting
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
  • Hypothermia
  • Clammy, cold skin
  • Depressed breathing
  • Irregular pulse
  • Choking
  • Seizure
  • Loss of control of bladder and/or bowel functions
  • Blue tints around the fingernails and lips

How Do I Help Someone With Alcohol Poisoning?

Never panic when you caught someone to be having alcohol poisoning symptoms. Call 911 and make sure to stick by them. As they are prone to self-harm and can choke, it is necessary to keep eye on them until they get professional attention. There might be some alcohol left in their stomach to be processed which will worsen the situation.

What to do?

  • Once you have phoned emergency services, there are a few other things that you should do:
  • Try to keep them conscious.
  • Somepeople with alcohol poisoning can become aggressive, so always give them plenty of warning before you move or touch them.
  • This will prevent them from choking on their own vomit.
  • Make sure they are kept warm, as their body temperature will likely drop

Danny White