What Happens to Your Body When You Get Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. It is common for someone who drinks excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication. You should also know that a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestines continue to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off.
Critical Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Mental confusion, stupor, coma or person cannot be roused
Vomiting
Seizures
Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness
What Should I Do if I Suspect Someone has Alcohol Poisoning?
Know the danger signals
Do not wait for all symptoms to be present
Be aware that a person who has passed out may die
If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness
What Can Happen to Someone with Alcohol Poisoning that Goes Untreated?
Victim chokes on his or her own vomit
Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops
Heart beats irregularly or stops
Hypothermia (low body temperature)
Hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar) leads to seizures
Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death
Even if the victim lives, an alcohol overdose can lead to irreversible brain damage. Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious.
Don't be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Don't worry that your friend may become angry or embarrassed—remember, you cared enough to help.
Always be safe, not sorry.