Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Anything done in excess is bad for health. Alcohol is no exception to the rule. Alcohol poisoning means, consuming large quantities of alcohol than what the body can take. Too much of alcohol can lead to rise in toxic proportions. Cell membranes are susceptible to alcohol. Thus when alcohol seeps through them, it reaches every tissue in the body. Alcohol level in the blood is measured through blood alcohol content.The initial consumption of alcohol produces feeling of elation and relaxation. Hence, the drinker begins to consume more, knowing or not knowing the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, while doing so. A person may not show all the alcohol poisoning symptoms, but a combination of a few of them.

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Slurred Speech
Rising levels of alcohol in the body makes it intoxicated. It makes the speech loud in terms of volume and trivial in terms of content. As the person consumes more alcohol, he becomes quiet, and finds it difficult to talk.

Inability of Walk
This is one of the common alcohol poisoning symptoms. High concentrations of alcohol depress the nerve centers. The motor nerves lose control over muscles, causing an inability while walking.

Vomiting
Excessive alcohol in the system disturbs the stomach, which causes vomiting.

Seizures
Due to vomiting, the body gets dehydrated causing the blood sugar levels to drop. Hence, if vomiting continues, a person is likely to experience seizures.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia refers to low body temperatures. Alcohol poisoning causes the body temperature to drop below normal, leading to hypothermia.

Change in Skin Color
The skin color of an excessive drinker changes to pale blue, due to rise in the level of alcohol.

Coma
Acute case of alcohol poisoning can lead to coma.

Unconsciousness
Too much of alcohol in the system can cause the person to be unconscious for a good enough time.

Slow Breathing
A person who has been drinking for a long time will experience slow breathing. Slow breathing means, less than 8 breaths per minute.

Irregular Breathing
Irregular breathing patterns are common for those suffering with alcohol poisoning. Irregular breathing refers to a gap of 10 seconds between each breath.

Mental Confusion
The mind looses its control causes confusion and inability to think.

What To Do?
When alcohol enters the central nervous system (CNS), it slows the rate of breathing. The brain gets deprived of oxygen and closes a part of the nervous system that control breathing and heart, which leads to death. Obviously, a drunk person is in no state of knowing all this. Thus, when your friend begins to show acute alcohol poisoning symptoms, call the emergency numbers. Inexperienced drinkers are vulnerable to alcohol poisoning as they have lower tolerance levels. Thus, its advised never to force anyone to drink.

Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
For those who have suffered from alcohol poisoning will be physically sick. Additionally, it is their self esteem that suffers a lot. It may be a moral, but gaining the wrecked self esteem will take time and help. As friends and family empathize with their situation and help them cope with it. If alcohol poisoning goes unnoticed, it can be life-threatening. A person may drink for a mood lift, but he should know when to stop drinking alcohol. Safe alcohol consumption guidelines for women are recommended at 2 drink in 14 days and for men 3 drinks in 21 days. To reduce your level of alcohol consumption, indulge in a binge drink. But make sure that it is just 'a drink'. Identify whether the case is of alcoholism or alcohol abuse.

Home remedies for symptoms of alcohol poisoning suggest, drinking lots of water, to prevent your body from dehydration. Its not just alcohol that dehydrates the body, but also vomiting, so regain those lost water levels by increasing water consumption. Increase in urination and perspiration will help in flushing out alcohol from the body. Watch your breath and bring back the breathing rate to normal. Try to keep the person awake, while at home to monitor the water consumption. Seek medical help if the case is very acute.