Prior to seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, individuals struggling with alcoholism may encounter various challenges. One significant risk associated with heavy drinking is alcohol poisoning, a condition resulting from dangerously high levels of alcohol in the bloodstream. Recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning is crucial, as immediate medical attention is necessary for anyone experiencing such an overdose. How can you identify this situation? Those affected often exhibit multiple symptoms indicating the signs of alcohol poisoning.
If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol use and needs alcohol addiction treatment, contact Northpoint Colorado today at 888.231.1281.
How Does Alcohol Poisoning Occur?
Alcohol is not only an addictive substance. It’s also toxic to your brain and body. If you drink in relatively small amounts, your liver can process that alcohol before it harms you. But if you drink at a faster rate or in greater quantities, you can overwhelm your system.
The level of alcohol in your body can be tracked with a measurement called blood alcohol concentration (BAC). As your BAC increases, the following changes occur:
- 0.0% – 0.05% BAC = a relatively minor loss of your normal function
- 0.06% – 0.15% BAC = a moderate loss of normal function
- 0.16% – 030% BAC = severe loss of function
- 0.31% – 0.45% and up = life-threatening loss of function
The first signs of alcohol poisoning typically begin to appear at a BAC of 0.16%. At a BAC above 0.30%, there’s a genuine risk of a fatal overdose.
6 Common Alcohol Poisoning Signs You May Notice
If your friend or loved one is overdosing on alcohol, certain outward signs of their condition are common. Six of the most likely signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Vomiting – This is the body’s emergency attempt to rapidly purge excess alcohol.
- Difficulty staying awake or a full loss of consciousness – This sign of alcohol poisoning occurs when the brain slows past a certain point.
- Unusually slowed-down breathing – Anyone who breathes less than eight times a minute may be in serious trouble.
- Irregular breathing – An affected person may take 10 seconds or more between breaths.
- Changes in normal skin color – The effects of alcohol poisoning may lead to unusually pale, grey, or bluish skin tone.
- Seizures – Extreme intoxication’s effects can trigger convulsions.
In addition, your friend’s body temperature may drop far below normal.
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms in Your Loved One
Any person who overdoses on alcohol will experience notable internal effects, commonly known as symptoms. These effects may not be obvious to you. Nevertheless, they point to a state of alcohol overload. Some of the most typical symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Extreme thought impairment
- Similar impairment of memory
- Vision that’s blurred or otherwise altered
Be aware that it’s not always possible to separate internal alcohol poisoning symptoms from external signs of poisoning. You may easily pick up on some of the inner changes affecting your loved one. That’s especially true when you also note the outer changes they’re going through. A rapid response is essential when either signs or symptoms occur. Your swift action may make the difference between life and death.
Get Started with Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Today
People affected by alcohol overdose are impacted in multiple ways. You can usually detect this impact by looking for certain typical signs of an overdose. Your loved one may also say or do things that highlight the inner symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
Want to find out more about potential alcohol poisoning signs and their significance? Talk to the professionals at Northpoint Colorado. We’re happy to share accurate information about alcohol overdose. You can also turn to us for help if you or your loved one need treatment for alcohol problems. Just call us today at 888.231.1281 or message us online.