The Dangers of Alcohol

There are many serious and dangerous consequences of the disease alcoholism including alcohol poisoning, alcoholic coma and death. Alcohol poisoning can occur when you abuse alcohol even if it is your first time drinking. This is why anyone should be aware of the dangers of alcohol. Those who have the disease, alcoholism are at more risk because of the ever-increasing amounts of alcohol they consume in order to continue to feel intoxicated. This pattern can easily lead to alcohol poisoning.

If you intend to drink or be around those who drink you should learn to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning. Learning the signs can save a life. A person suffering from alcohol poisoning can go into a coma and die

Alcohol poisoning signs:

• Loss of consciousness can occur after someone has been drinking. When you are unable to wake a person who has fallen asleep after drinking it can signal something more serious than just "sleeping it off".
• Confusion
• Cold, clammy skin
• Pale skin or skin that has a bluish tint to it
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Vomiting that is repeated and uncontrolled
• Slow respirations (breathing pattern) that is less than 13 breaths per minute. If no breathing occurs for 8 seconds or more, call 911 immediately
• Seizures

A person does not have to have all of the above signs in order to have alcohol poisoning. If they lose consciousness for instance they can be suffering from alcohol poisoning and need immediate medical attention.

These signs may be difficult to recognize in yourself because the signs themselves will make it almost impossible for you to have the cognitive ability to recognize what is happening to you.

Alcohol poisoning is serious and anyone exhibiting any of the signs of the condition should receive immediate medical attention. If untreated alcohol poisoning can lead to death. Never leave a person alone when you suspect that the person may be suffering from alcohol poisoning.

Binge drinking is a common cause of alcohol poisoning and is commonly seen at parties.

You can develop signs of alcohol poisoning after you have stopped drinking, so don’t feel that you are someone you know is safe from alcohol poisoning just because they finished drinking for the day/night because your blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise after you have stopped drinking. It can even rise after you have passed out because your stomach will continue to absorb what you drank and then it will enter your blood.

A person who has been diagnosed with alcohol poisoning will be supported and monitored carefully while the body gets rid of the alcohol. The airway will be maintained to prevent choking or difficulty breathing and IV fluids may be given to prevent the person from becoming dehydrated.

The first 24 hours of hospitalization are the most critical. Survival depends on the volume of alcohol consumed and the speed at which the individual receives medical attention.

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