Alcohol Awareness Month: How to Recognize Alcohol Poisoning and What to Do
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to talk about the risks linked to alcohol and how to keep ourselves and others safe. One of the most serious risks is alcohol poisoning. It can happen when someone drinks more alcohol than their body can process, leading to life-threatening symptoms that need emergency care.
At Physicians Premier, a freestanding ER in Texas, we treat medical emergencies around the clock. In cases of alcohol poisoning, acting fast can save lives. This article explains what alcohol poisoning looks like, what to do in an emergency, and how to help prevent it from happening.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning happens when there’s too much alcohol in the bloodstream. The liver processes alcohol slowly – about one standard drink per hour.
The liver plays a central role in metabolizing alcohol, processing approximately one standard drink per hour. A standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is typically found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol content)
- 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol content)
After consumption, alcohol takes about 60 to 90 minutes to reach peak levels in the bloodstream. The body then begins the breakdown process, with alcohol having a half-life of four to five hours. This means it takes approximately 25 hours for the body to eliminate all the alcohol. Factors such as the volume and strength of the drink, as well as individual differences like sex, age, body size, and overall health, can influence the rate at which alcohol is metabolized.
If someone drinks too much in a short time, alcohol builds up and begins to affect critical functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature.
This is not something that goes away with sleep or time. Without proper treatment, alcohol poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, permanent damage, or even death.
Understanding the Symptoms
It’s not always easy to tell when someone has had “too much,” but certain symptoms of alcohol poisoning are clear red flags. If someone is showing any of the signs below, they may need emergency help right away:
- Confused, unresponsive, or acting strangely
- Vomiting repeatedly or without control
- Very slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute or pauses of 10 seconds or more)
- Skin that looks pale, bluish, or cold to the touch
- Seizures
- Extremely low body temperature
- Passing out and not waking up
These signs mean the body is struggling to function. If you ever have doubts, it’s better to get help than wait.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you think someone might have alcohol poisoning, here are the steps to take:
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you’re near a Physicians Premier location, we’re open 24/7 and ready to help.
- Stay with the person. Don’t leave them alone, especially if they’re unconscious or vomiting.
- If they’re awake, keep them sitting up. Try to keep them alert and calm.
- If they’re unconscious, gently roll them onto their side. This helps prevent choking in case they vomit.
- Don’t give them anything to eat or drink. Food, water, or coffee won’t speed up the process – and could make things worse.
- Don’t try to “sober them up.” Cold showers, exercise, or similar methods are not helpful and may be dangerous.
Once emergency personnel arrive or you get to the ER, be ready to share helpful information like what was consumed, when it happened, and any known medical conditions.
What Treatment Looks Like
At Physicians Premier, our emergency team is trained to treat alcohol poisoning quickly and carefully. The exact treatment will depend on the patient’s condition but may include:
- IV fluids to rehydrate and support organ function
- Oxygen therapy to support breathing
- Monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
- Support for symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or low body temperature
The goal is to stabilize the patient and support the body as it clears the alcohol.
How to Help Prevent Alcohol Poisoning
Prevention starts with awareness and making thoughtful choices. Here are a few ways to help lower the risk:
- Drink slowly, and don’t rush.
- Eat before and during drinking.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Don’t mix alcohol with medications.
- Pay attention to how you feel.
- Don’t pressure others to keep drinking.
- Step in if someone seems at risk.
Parents and caregivers can also support safety by talking openly with teens and young adults about responsible behavior and how to recognize emergencies.
Common Myths to Avoid
It’s easy to assume someone will “sleep it off” or “just needs to rest,” but these ideas can be dangerous. Alcohol continues to be absorbed into the bloodstream even after someone stops drinking. That means symptoms can get worse over time – not better.
If someone is showing any of the warning signs mentioned earlier, waiting it out is never the right approach. Medical care is essential.
Why Quick Care Matters
Getting help fast can make a big difference. Alcohol poisoning can lead to lasting harm if not treated in time. But with quick action and expert care, recovery is often possible.
At Physicians Premier, we treat emergencies like alcohol poisoning with urgency and compassion. Our team is trained to act fast, with on-site imaging, lab services, and experienced emergency physicians available at all hours.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol poisoning is serious, but it is also treatable – if you know what to look for and take quick action. Don’t wait. If you see the signs, get help right away. Staying calm, knowing what to do, and acting quickly can truly save a life.
Physicians Premier is here 24/7 to care for your family in life’s most urgent moments. If you need emergency help, visit one of our locations or learn more about what we treat on our Services Page. Your health and safety are always our priority.
Sources:
“Alcohol poisoning,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386
“How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?” Cleveland Clinic, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your-system
“Alcohol poisoning,” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-poisoning/
“Alcohol Poisoning,” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16640-alcohol-poisoning“Alcohol Poisoning Prevention,” East Washington University, https://inside.ewu.edu/bewell/alcohol-poisoning-prevention/
