When enjoying a night out or celebrating with friends, alcohol often plays a central role in social gatherings. However, it’s easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful substance that can be dangerous consumed in excess. When looking at the criteria for alcoholism, we can see that it goes beyond the occasional night out. Lying about alcohol use, hiding it, repeatedly trying to stop but failing, are all indicators of alcoholism.
Alcohol use disorder casts a wide shadow of destruction. One of the most critical dangers of the compulsive behaviors that accompany this disease is alcohol poisoning. This is a serious and potentially fatal consequence of drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. Recognizing alcohol poisoning symptoms quickly can mean the difference between life and death.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that it begins to shut down vital life-support functions. This includes breathing, heart rate, and body temperature regulation. As the National Health Service of the UK puts it, this condition happens when “you drink alcohol quicker than your body can process it.” It requires immediate medical attention and is not something a person can simply “sleep off.”
What Are Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?
You may be wondering, what are symptoms of alcohol poisoning and how do they differ from someone who’s simply drunk? While the line can sometimes seem blurry, there are several distinct signs to watch for. The most common alcohol poisoning symptoms include:
- Confusion or stupor – The person may be unresponsive, disoriented, or unable to communicate clearly.
- Vomiting – This is the body’s way of trying to rid itself of excess alcohol, but it can also lead to choking, especially if the person is unconscious.
- Seizures – Alcohol poisoning can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, triggering seizures.
- Slow or irregular breathing – Fewer than eight breaths per minute or a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths is a critical red flag.
- Hypothermia (low body temperature) – The person’s skin may feel cold or appear bluish, particularly around the lips or fingertips.
- Unconsciousness – If someone is passed out and cannot be awakened, it is a medical emergency.
These symptoms are very different from being “just drunk.” That’s why understanding the contrast between alcohol poisoning symptoms vs. drunk behavior is essential. Someone who is merely intoxicated may slur their words, stumble, or be overly emotional—but they are typically still conscious, responsive, and breathing normally.
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms the Next Day
Some people mistakenly believe that once a person sleeps it off, the danger has passed. However, alcohol poisoning symptoms the next day can still be present and dangerous. If the individual remains unresponsive, has difficulty waking up, or continues to show signs of confusion and irregular breathing, it’s not just a hangover—it’s a serious problem that requires medical attention. Delayed symptoms can also include a slow heart rate, persistent vomiting, and even cardiac arrest.
Immediate Actions You Should Take
If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms, don’t assume they’ll recover on their own. Here’s what to do:
- Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.).
- Do not leave the person alone. Monitor their breathing and position them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Do not try to “sober them up.” Cold showers, coffee, or walking around will not reverse alcohol poisoning and could even make things worse.
- Stay calm and provide any information you can to emergency responders, including how much the person drank and when.
Diagnosing the Root of Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of alcohol poisoning is just the first step. Once medical care has been administered, the person should evaluate their relationship with alcohol, perhaps by taking an “am I an alcoholic” quiz. If they find that alcohol is having an undesirable effect on their life, but that they have hitherto been unable to quit drinking, they may consider alcohol addiction treatment.
A good treatment program will go beyond simply changing unwanted behaviors to fully addressing the roots of those behaviors–often past trauma or a co-existing mental health condition. If you or a loved one believe help is needed to overcome alcohol use disorder, you may consider an alcohol and depression rehab stay to fully begin the process of healing. You may also seek out holistic treatment for alcoholism. Mental health professionals will help address the full spectrum of your needs, from the spiritual to the emotional and the physical.
You will also need to decide between outpatient treatment–where the patient attends treatment at set times each day but returns home to sleep and work–or a residential alcohol rehab, where you are surrounded by 24/7 care and support and you can be away from addiction triggers and accessibility at home.
Begin Your Healing Journey at the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN
If you or a loved one have experienced the devastating symptoms of alcohol poisoning and are ready to put the dangers of alcohol use disorder behind you, consider a stay at the Integrative Life Center. Our holistic approach to healing encompasses the whole person. Using a trauma-informed lens in all of our treatment modalities, we underscore the importance of a compassionate and non-judgmental response when someone is experiencing this life-threatening condition, paving the way for potential recovery that addresses any underlying trauma.
Perhaps you are intrigued but not yet ready to commit to a full residential stay; consider taking part in an alcohol rehab retreat, where you can kick start your recovery. And do not let the cost of rehab for alcohol sway you; our compassionate, professional staff is ready to help you find ways to make your healing happen.
Our addiction recovery resources will help you make sure your recovery is a long-term one, setting you up with support systems to keep you accountable even after your program ends. So do not wait until the harm of alcohol poisoning takes its toll. Reach out to us today to be free from addiction. Call 615-891-2226 to start your journey today!
The post Recognizing Red Flags: Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms appeared first on Integrative Life Center.
source https://integrativelifecenter.com/alcohol-addiction/recognizing-red-flags-alcohol-poisoning-symptoms/
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