alcoholThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its most recent analysis of statistics on alcohol poisoning in early January, 2015. The federal report ranks the state of Oklahoma 11th in the nation for alcohol- poisoning deaths (2010-2012). According to the report, an average of 37 Oklahomans die each year from alcohol poisoning. While health officials point out that it may seem a small number, it also highlights the problem facing Oklahoma in addressing the abuse of alcohol statewide.

Alcohol Poisoning 101

The CDC cites alcohol poisoning as the cause of 2,200 deaths per year in the United States. Oklahoma’s 11th place ranking amongst the states of the nation does not include deaths from alcohol-related problems, including deaths caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is advanced liver disease characterized by scarring of the liver tissue leading to loss of liver function. It is most commonly caused by alcohol abuse.

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly condition caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. It can cause changes in body temperature, heart rated and the gag reflex, all of which are normally controlled by the nervous system automatically.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include irregular breathing, lowered body temperature, pale skin (or blue-tinged skin), confusion, unconsciousness, and vomiting.

Narconon Arrowhead Takes a Look

Narconon Arrowhead, a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education center located in Southeastern Oklahoma, is very aware of the alcohol poisoning problem in the state.

To that end, the center is providing easy access to alcohol prevention information on its website and through its social media sites. Alcohol prevention education is vital in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and addiction, and what can be done to prevent it.

A basic alcohol prevention guide on the warning signs of alcohol poisoning is provided here for immediate use.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

When the person has consumed a toxic amount of alcohol over a short period of time, their blood alcohol level (BAC) goes so high it is regarded as poisonous to the body (toxic). As a result, the person can become:

  • Extremely confused.
  • Breathe shallowly.
  • Go unconscious—pass out.
  • Go into a coma.

It can be life threatening and ordinarily requires urgent medical assistance and treatment.

Even when the person has stopped consuming alcohol, his or her BAC can continue to rise over the next 30 to 45 minutes. If the person has already consumed a lot of alcohol, worsening symptoms may result even upon cessation of drinking. The signs and symptoms which can indicate a progression from simply being intoxicated to actual alcohol poisoning are as follows:

  • Hypothermia—dropping body temperature.
  • Confusion
  • Pale or a bluish-tinge to the skin.
  • A breathing rhythm which is unusual.
  • Very slow breathing.
  • The person is conscious, but unresponsive—in a stupor.
  • The person passes out—goes unconscious.
  • This can lead to choking and aspiration–breathing the vomit into the lungs.

What to Do

If you observe the person is suffering from alcohol poisoning, call 911 or an ambulance. Until medical help arrives, it is vital to know what to do, and what not to do.

Do

  • Do your best to keep the person awake.
  • Do your best to prevent them from lying down, and try to keep them sitting-up.
  • Give them water if they are able to take it—it helps prevent further dehydration.
  • Use the recovery position if the person is unconscious.       The recovery position will help to ensure the person’s airway remains clear and open, and prevents vomit or fluid from causing them to choke. Check to ensure the person is breathing. If you do not know what the recovery position is—learn it. The information is available online.

Don’t

  • Don’t make the person walk.
  • Don’t give them coffee to drink, as it will worsen the dehydration.
  • Don’t have them lie on their back.
  • Don’t give them any more alcohol.

Learn More

All Oklahoma residents are encouraged to access the additional information provided by Narconon Arrowhead as a public service. It is available on their website, and social media venues.