Hypothermia (low body temperature) leading to death
Hypoglycemia (dangerously low levels of bloody-sugar) leading to seizures
Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, and ultimately death
How would you know if a friend, relative or just some random person at the bar is merely drunk, or suffering from the effects of alcohol poisoning?
Being able to identify the difference may very well be the difference between life and death.
Death may be caused by someone who may asphyxiate from choking on his or her own vomit, or is not able to breathe because the part of the brain responsible for respiration has been poisoned and is in danger of shutting down.
According to research just completed in the United States of America, around 50,000 cases of alcohol poisoning are reported each year, and one person dies per week because of this deadly but very preventable condition.
One of the major reasons for these fatalities is that the people around the drinker cannot effectively identify the symptoms.
Consequently they did not take any action other than sending the sufferers home in a cab and/or having them take a cold shower and a hot coffee.
Most end up feeling responsible and guilt-ridden.
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms: Effects of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol suppresses nerves that would ordinarily be responsible for your subconscious functions- such as breathing and reminding your heart to beat. Excessive alcohol consumption may stop these functions.
Additionally, alcohol is an irritant to the stomach, and will cause excessive drinkers to vomit- thereby heightening the risk that someone may potentially choke on his/her own vomit even though the person is not conscious, causing death by asphyxiation.
Contrary to popular belief, a person’s blood alcohol concentration will and can continue to rise even when he/she is unconscious.
Alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to be absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate around the body EVEN WHEN A PERSON STOPS DRINKING.
One should never assume that a person will get sober by sleeping off drunkenness.
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms: Embarrassment or Tragedy?
Even if the victim survives, alcohol overdose can lead to irreparable brain damage.
Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious.
The temporary embarrassment of having been rescued and treated for alcohol poisoning infinitely outweighs the potential risk of life-threatening complications.
Should you suspect anyone around you of having symptoms consistent of this condition, DO NOT hesitate to call for life-saving help.
Loving someone who abuses alcohol is one of the most painful things you will ever have to cope with. Yet, it doesn't need to be, C.P.Lehman in his book, Help Me! I'm In Love With An Addict gives you the strategies that will enable you to find happiness and get your life back on track...as well as other skills that are crucial when attempting to cope with an alcohol dependent.
If you or someone close to you wants help and advice on quitting drinking then take a look at the following pages:
Deborah Morrow, M.S. Addiction Psychology, is the director of treatment programs for The Alcoholism Guide website. In her practice Deborah provides on-line coaching and support for those dependent on alcohol or who require other services such as relapse prevention or court mandated services. (Read More)
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