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Alcoholic Poisoning Intervention Tricks

Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous and often deadly occurrence. Alcohol poisoning is caused by an excessive, rapid intake of alcohol, far beyond what the body can process. The amount of alcohol a person can handle varies; however, according to Mayo Clinic the average amount of five drinks (one drink equals one 12-oz. beer or wine cooler, a 5-oz glass of wine, 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor) taken in a row is enough to induce alcohol poisoning. Fortunately, there are many steps one can take to prevent this dangerous side effect of overdrinking.

  1. General Prevention

    • The first step to preventing alcohol poisoning is called smart drinking. Eating food before consuming alcohol and drinking non-alcoholic beverages in between the alcoholic beverages helps to slow the absorption process, allowing the body to metabolize the alcohol without bodily harm. Mixing alcohol with other drugs such as Tylenol, aspirin or Ibuprofens can change the way the body filters the alcohol, increasing the chance for alcohol poisoning. Never mix illegal drugs with alcohol; this could result in grave injury or death. Following these general rules greatly helps to reduce the chance of alcohol poisoning.

    Activated Charcoal

    • Activated charcoal tablets are often used prior to a night of heavy drinking. Activated charcoal is a highly processed form of carbon used in the absorption of chemicals. If taken before drinking, the tablets will absorb excess alcohol as it enters the stomach. If you experience heavy intoxication, taking the tablets with water will help absorb alcohol left in your system. Activated charcoal is found at specialty health food stores and available online.

    Preventing During Heavy Drinking

    • Often times, people find themselves in a drunken state. Being tipsy or drunk is vastly different from alcohol poisoning; however, these states can easily lead to alcohol poisoning if drinking continues. If you feel exceedingly dizzy, light-headed, nauseous or uncomfortably warm, start drinking water. The water helps to dilute the remaining alcohol in the body. Above and beyond, stop drinking as you feel your mental faculties beginning to falter. There is a point when the "buzz" of alcohol does not increase with more consumption; after your blood-alcohol content reaches a certain point, .06, the body begins to reject the alcohol.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, intense vomiting, seizures, irregular breathing, pale skin, low body temperature and loss of consciousness. If you witness anyone displaying these symptoms, call 800-222-1222. This will connect you to the nearest poison-control center, and an expert will help figure out how to restore this individual to consciousness or recommend the calling of an ambulance. Never leave an unconscious person alone; vomiting will accompany alcohol poisoning, conscious or not. One of the leading factors of death with alcohol poisoning is choking on vomit. Make sure the person is sitting up, and if you plan on heavy drinking, make sure you are with other people capable of aiding you if you experience any of these symptoms.

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