The threshold for alcohol poisoning varies from person to person, but engaging in binge drinking within a short timeframe significantly elevates the risk.
In numerous households, Diwali is synonymous with taash (card) parties and alcohol. With the festive season in full swing, your alcohol consumption is likely to have increased. However, did you know that consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period puts you at risk of alcohol poisoning?
Dr. Sudha Desai, the internal medicine consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic, explained that alcohol poisoning occurs when the bloodstream becomes saturated with alcohol to the point where vital functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, are severely depressed.
It is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition as the alcohol starts to negatively affect the body’s vital functions, warned Ekta Singhwal, a dietician at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.
The amount of alcohol that leads to poisoning varies among individuals due to factors like weight, tolerance, and overall health. However, binge drinking or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period significantly increases the risk. “For men, consuming more than five alcoholic drinks in two hours, and for women, more than four drinks, is generally considered binge drinking,” said Dr. Desai.
Though Dr. Rahul Chirag, internal medicine consultant, CARE Hospitals added that, for some, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to poisoning.
What are the signs or symptoms of alcohol poisoning?
Recognising the signs of alcohol poisoning is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
– Confusion or stupor
– Vomiting
– Seizures
– Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
– Hypothermia (low body temperature)
– Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
Dr. Desai explained that an overdose is more likely if you drink alcohol and use opioids or sedative-hypnotics, such as sleep aids or anxiety pills. “Benzodiazepines like diazepam and alprazolam, as well as sleep aids like zolpidem and eszopiclone, are examples of these drugs.”
What should be the immediate first aid?
If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, it is essential to act quickly.
a. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
b. Stay with the person and try to keep them awake.
c. If conscious, encourage them to sit up.
d. Do not leave the person alone, as there is a risk of choking on vomit.
e. If unconscious, turn them onto their side to prevent choking.
Dr. Desai severely warned against attempting to “sober them up” with cold showers, hot drinks, or walking them around. “These methods do not reverse alcohol poisoning and may worsen the situation,” she said.
What are the next steps?
After emergency services are contacted and initial first aid is administered, it is crucial to continue monitoring the affected person until professional help arrives. Singhwal emphasized providing all the information to the medical professionals about the amount and type of alcohol consumed.
Once the person receives medical attention, recovery steps may include:
– Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
– Monitoring vital signs, including heart rate and breathing.
– Treatment for related complications such as seizures or low blood sugar.
– Psychological support and counseling for the individual to address potential underlying issues contributing to excessive alcohol consumption.
What should you never mix alcohol with?
It can be hazardous to take over-the-counter antihistamines and alcohol at the same time, as mentioned earlier. It is also extremely risky to combine alcohol with illegal opiates like heroin or opioid painkillers like oxycodone and morphine.
“Similar to alcohol, these substances inhibit brain regions that regulate essential bodily processes like respiration. Combining alcohol with other drugs amplifies the effects of each substance alone and increases the risk of overdosing on even moderate amounts of alcohol,” explained Dr. Desai.