Alcohol Abuse Advice

Causes of alcohol poisoning

 

Alcohol poisoning is caused by drinking too much of alcoholic beverages, which contains ethyl alcohol, in a short period of time. To put it simply, it is an overdose of alcohol.  It usually takes one hour for the liver to absorb a single drink of alcohol.  It may be a bottle of beer, a glass of wine or a shot of hard liquor. If a person consumes faster than that, there is a risk of alcohol poisoning.  Some products contain isopropyl alcohol (which is found in rubbing alcohol, lotions and some cleaning products) and methyl alcohol (found in antifreeze, paints and solvents).  Alcohol poisoning can also be caused by accidental consumption of any of these. 

Approximately 50,000 cases of alcohol poisoning are reported each year in the United States of America. 

Teens are more likely to get addicted to alcohol due to peer pressure.  Chances of teens becoming victims of alcohol poisoning are more as they indulge in binge drinking, which is defined as taking five or more drinks one after the other. 

The effects of alcohol on human body depend on blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The amount of alcohol that can cause alcohol poisoning varies with each person.  Till date it has not been possible to predict what amount of alcohol could cause poisoning. 

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, confusion, stupor, lack of reflexes, erratic behavior, slurred speech, slow and irregular breathing, low body temperature, blue tinged skin or pale skin, unconsciousness and seizures due to hypoglycemia.  Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.  It can cause the brain to stop involuntary functions that regulate breathing and heart beat which results in death.  It affects central nervous system.  Excessive vomiting, if not treated in time, can cause permanent brain damage or even death due to dehydration. 

Treatment of acute alcohol poisoning involves oxygen therapy, intravenous administration of fluids to prevent dehydration and respiratory tract protection to prevent choking. 

Prevention is better than cure.  Abstinence is the best policy.  If that is not possible, consumption of alcohol in moderate quantity is recommended.   Daily one drink for women and two drinks for men are recommended. 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of wine or beer cooler or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits is considered to be a standard drink consumption level, which can be eliminated by our body.  These should be communicated to the masses. 

Teens should be educated regarding the hazards of alcohol poisoning at home and also at the place where they get educated.  Death caused by alcohol poisoning is avoidable in almost all of the cases. 

 

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