Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

Someone with a smaller body may experience the effects of alcohol more rapidly than someone with a larger body. In fact, the smaller-bodied person may experience an alcohol overdose after drinking the same amount that a larger-bodied person can consume safely. An alcohol overdose, or alcohol poisoning, is one health problem that can result from too much alcohol consumption. Many people consume alcohol because it has a relaxing effect, and drinking can be a healthy social experience.

• The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
• Exceeding daily guidelines for moderate drinking can cause health consequences.
• But consuming large amounts of alcohol, even one time, can lead to serious health complications.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of alcohol and possible overdose.

Treatment & Recovery from Alcohol Poisoning

• Someone who is “just drunk” will be slurring their words, stumbling around, and acting drowsy.
• This is also found in mouthwashes, some medicines, and household products.
• Studies have shown that even if you only occasionally drink alcohol, drinking regularly over a long period can have negative outcomes on your health.
• But prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to chronic (long-term) pancreatitis, which can be severe.

Ensuring that you drink responsibly can prevent alcohol poisoning. Always drink in moderation, and keep track of the amount of drinks you’ve had. It’s defined as when a man has five drinks or more within two hours or when a woman has four or more drinks within two hours. While there is no guaranteed safe amount of alcohol for anyone, alcohol overdose general guidelines can help clinicians advise their patients and minimize the risks.

What BAC Causes Alcohol Poisoning?

In these cases, a person needs to consult a doctor to determine how to best treat their AUD. An alcohol overdose occurs when a person has so much alcohol in their bloodstream that certain bodily functions may begin to shut down. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. In some cases, it may prove fatal if a person does not receive emergency care. Take action to protect your loved ones from an alcohol overdose. Talk to your children about the dangers of alcohol and possible overdose.

Binge drinking and overdose

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers state-of-the-art rehab facilities for treating AUDs and is a leading provider of alcohol detox and treatment across the nation. Our treatment programs are tailored to your unique needs and adjusted throughout the length of treatment. What tips the balance from drinking that produces impairment to drinking that puts one’s life in jeopardy varies among individuals. Age, sensitivity to alcohol (tolerance), gender, speed of drinking, medications you are taking, and amount of food eaten can all be factors. Celebrating at parties, cheering a favorite sports team, and enjoying get-togethers after work are common ways to relax or be with friends.

What Can Increase the Risk of Alcohol Poisoning?

• So, while it might only take four drinks for you to be legally intoxicated, it’d take quite a bit more to kill you.
• Call 911 if someone you know is experiencing an alcohol overdose.

Young adults are more likely to drink excessively, leading to an alcohol overdose. BAC can continue to rise even when a person stops drinking or is unconscious. Alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. As you consume additional alcohol, more and more of it enters your bloodstream.