What Are the Treatments for Alcohol Intoxication?

Alcohol poisoning or intoxication occurs when a person drinks too much alcohol over too short a period of time. After drinking, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and rushes to the brain, causing effects including slurred speech, wooziness and a mild euphoria. Though there are different ways to treat alcohol poisoning, it is important to be cautious when drinking.

Alcohol Poisoning

• Alcohol poisoning occurs when you have become extremely intoxicated. This is usually from drinking alcoholic beverages, but can also occur from overexposure to isopropyl alcohol found in rubbing alcohol, lotions and cleaning products. Accidental intake of paints, solvents and antifreeze can also cause alcohol poisoning.

Symptoms

• Alcohol poisoning causes a variety of symptoms including confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing characterized by less than eight breaths per minute, irregular breathing characterized by large gaps in between breaths, pale or blue skin, hypothermia and unconsciousness. A person may not experience multiple symptoms and it is important to call 911 if there is any suspicion of over-drinking.

Ineffective Treatments

• It is important to get the intoxicated person professional medical help. Home treatments and remedies such as drinking coffee, taking a cold shower and walking around don't work. In fact, taking a cold shower can cause a loss of consciousness because of shock resulting from a rapid temperature change.

Treatments

• The treatment for alcohol poisoning involves supportive measures while the liver breaks down the alcohol. Because the intoxicated person may excessively vomit, medical professionals will position the person to prevent choking. The patient may also be put on oxygen therapy to maintain healthy levels, receive intravenous fluids to prevent excessive dehydration and be administered thiamin and glucose to prevent further complications.