Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks at one time for men or four or more at one time for women. The amount of alcohol in your blood can also be artificially elevated if you drink while not able to metabolize alcohol as rapidly as you normally can. This can occur when you are drinking while taking medicines or while using recreational drugs. Don’t wait; call emergency services right away, even if you’re unsure it’s necessary. Emergency medical care can make all the difference between life and death. Place them in the recovery position, monitor their breathing (which is likely to be shallow), and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

• If BAC is high enough, it can impair physical functions such as breathing and the gag reflex (that prevents people from choking.
• It’s also important to remember that BAC can continue to increase as long as 40 minutes after your last drink.
• If they’re unconscious, place them in the recovery position to prevent choking.

Is Passing Out a Sign of Alcohol Overdose?

The person may have difficulty speaking, staying awake, or understanding their surroundings. Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals. Join our global mission of connecting patients with addiction and mental health treatment.

Prevention Strategies for Alcohol Overdose

Both of these symptoms are the body’s ways of getting rid of toxic substances. If they continue into the day, it’s a strong indicator that your body is still reacting to an overload of alcohol. Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous, marijuana addiction life-threatening condition solely caused by alcohol misuse. You should remain with the unconscious person until emergency medical help arrives.

• For example, someone who is less able to metabolize alcohol will have more alcohol buildup in their bloodstream, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.
• However, consistently reaching a BAC of 0.30% or higher places someone at a very high risk of alcohol poisoning.
• Keep reading to learn more about the critical signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, immediate actions to take if someone is suffering and the importance of medical intervention.

Causes and Risk Factors of Alcohol Overdose

You don’t have to face this alone—whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to support your recovery journey every step. Ethanol toxicity is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, but for those facing ongoing struggles with alcohol, professional treatment is crucial signs of alcohol intoxication for long-term recovery. Alcohol poisoning occurs when the body is overwhelmed by a large amount of alcohol in a short period, leading to life-threatening symptoms.

• Ingesting alcohol and other drugs together intensifies their individual effects and could produce an overdose with even moderate amounts of alcohol.
• Some may require addiction treatment following alcohol poisoning if they suffer from alcohol addiction.
• She is currently pursuing a fellowship in Precision Psychiatry and Functional Medicine.
• Drinking too much too quickly can affect breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex.
• When you’re unconscious, there are still functions being carried out by your body such as automatic responses like breathing, heart rate, or regulating body temperature.