As we all gear up for a fantastically fun four-day weekend, I know there is one thing on all of our minds: getting absolutely plastered every single day. However, it is my deepest desire to keep my loyal readers out of the hospital. To fulfill that desire for this weekend, here are a few quick tips on what alcohol poisoning is, and how to avoid it.
Alcohol poisoning is a broad, catch-all term for any ill effects that come from drinking too much alcohol. In most cases, harm comes from what is essentially being too drunk: lack of coordination causing trips and falls, blacking out, etc. However, alcohol itself is a suppressant — that’s what makes you drunk in the first place! The alcohol suppresses your nervous system, making it harder for your brain to send signals to the rest of your body.
Usually, your liver filters out the toxins that cause this. When you drink a large amount in a short period, your liver simply can’t keep pace, and the amount of toxins in your blood begins to rise. This can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause seizures, as well as a suppression of functions like your gag reflex.
This increases your odds of choking on things (such as your own vomit). It can also cause you to stop breathing in extreme cases. Alcohol can also hinder the parts of your brain that control your body’s temperature and tell your heart to beat. If your alcohol poisoning is severe enough, your brain will stop running these processes, leading to hypothermia and an extremely slow heart rate. As you can imagine, you don’t want your brain to stop telling your heart to beat.
So, how do you prevent alcohol poisoning?
The simple answer is to drink responsibly. Start by having food before and while you drink. Having food in your stomach lets you absorb alcohol into your bloodstream more slowly. Furthermore, you should try to limit yourself to approximately one drink per hour. Mixing your own drinks or drinking pre-packaged beverages can help you to better control your consumption and keep track of what you’ve consumed.
If you think someone you’re with might have alcohol poisoning, don’t be afraid to call for help! Under Carnegie Mellon’s amnesty policy, you cannot get in trouble as a result of calling medical services for someone who needs them.
In the meantime, stay with the person. Try to keep them awake and sitting upright. As previously stated, alcohol suppresses the gag reflex, so if they must lie down, turn them on their side to reduce the risk of choking should they vomit. If they are conscious and upright, try to give them water to keep them hydrated. Be prepared to tell paramedics as much as you know — such as how much they drank over how long, or how they’ve been acting since you called for help.
Stay safe this weekend, and have fun!
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