Like many people, maybe you think having one drink too many is just harmless fun. But is it? While drinking alcohol is widely accepted in society, there is such a thing as drinking too much. Sometimes, the result is a hangover; other times, it’s poisoning. However, many of us may be unable to identify if someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning. Would you recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning? If you’re not sure, learn what to look out for — it could save a life.
Here at the Santè Center for Healing, we believe the first step to getting the treatment necessary to heal and recover is educating yourself about the disease of addiction and how alcohol can be abused. Call 866.238.3154 for information about substance abuse treatment in Argyle, TX.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Since it’s legal for adults to buy and use alcohol, some people don’t consider the dangers of overindulging. However, poisoning can happen from just one episode of consuming too much alcohol. It could happen in a couple of hours or over an entire day.
Because a lot of college students indulge in binge drinking, they’re often at risk for alcohol poisoning. But this isn’t the only way to suffer adverse reactions from drinking alcohol. When people take medications while drinking, the results can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Poisoning is what happens when your body can’t perform its usual functions due to the excess of alcohol in your system.
Those most at risk for alcohol poisoning include:
- College students and teens who party
- Individuals who feel they need to drink to fit in or feel comfortable
- Individuals who cave under peer pressure
- Individuals who drink to numb mental health disorders or past trauma
- Individuals who mix alcohol with prescription medications or other drugs
- Older men between the ages of 35-64 are most likely to die from alcohol poisoning
Knowing the symptoms of alcohol poisoning is vital to being able to recognize when someone needs help.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Every person who drinks heavily won’t need alcoholism treatment, but the longer a person abuses alcohol, the more likely he is to develop an addiction. Without treatment, he may end up with long-term health and personal issues.
Not all symptoms of alcohol poisoning will be as obvious as someone throwing up or passing out. However, they are definite symptoms, along with the following:
- Uneven and slowed breathing
- A state of stupor
- Seizures
- Choked breathing
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Cool, clammy skin
- No bladder or bowel control
If you suspect someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, get help immediately from medical professionals. Don’t think they can just “sleep it off.” Getting them to drink coffee or putting them into a cold shower aren’t solutions and can put them in greater danger.
Because someone with alcohol poisoning is at risk of choking on their vomit, calling 911 could be lifesaving. Don’t leave them alone or let them lie on their back. If this is a repeated pattern of behavior, addiction treatment may be necessary.
A Second Chance at Santé Center for Healing
At Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, we provide a second chance for men and women dealing with drug addiction and alcoholism treatment programs. Our compassionate professionals utilize various therapeutic models, including the 12-step model and other research-backed treatments.
The programs we offer include:
- Medical detox — Where individuals flush the drugs or alcohol out of their system before further treatment.
- Dual diagnosis treatment — Used when individuals have both substance use disorder and a mental health issue.
- Residential treatment — What many think of when they consider rehab, here individuals stay at our facility 24/7 for at least 30 days as they get treatment and work through therapy addressing their addiction.
- Men’s drug rehab — For some individuals, recovery happens best around those of the same gender. Therefore, the Sante Center for Healing offers men’s and women’s drug rehab to accommodate the needs of patients.
If you or a loved one has suffered the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, the time to seek treatment is now. Call us at 866.238.3154 or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll help you get started on the road to lasting recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
