How does your body asphyxiate after you have been drinking alcohol?

Asphyxiation is not a typical consequence of alcohol consumption. While excessive alcohol intake can lead to various health problems, it does not typically cause asphyxiation.

Alcohol primarily affects the central nervous system, impairing judgment, coordination, and reaction times. It does not directly obstruct the airway or cause difficulty breathing, which would lead to asphyxiation.

However, there are certain situations where alcohol consumption can indirectly increase the risk of asphyxiation:

1. Choking: Alcohol can impair a person's gag reflex, making them more susceptible to choking on food or other objects.

2. Vomiting: Excessive alcohol intake can induce vomiting, and if a person vomits while unconscious or in a compromised position, there is a risk of inhaling vomit into the lungs, which can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia.

3. Sleep apnea: Alcohol can relax the muscles in the throat, exacerbating sleep apnea, a condition characterized by temporary pauses in breathing during sleep. In severe cases, sleep apnea can lead to asphyxiation if left untreated.

4. Drug interactions: Mixing alcohol with certain medications or recreational drugs can have unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects, including respiratory depression and increased risk of asphyxiation.

It's important to note that the risk of asphyxiation from alcohol consumption is relatively low and mainly associated with extreme levels of intoxication and/or combination with other risk factors.