Drinking alcohol is a popular pastime in the United States, with nearly eight in ten people experimenting with alcohol at some point in their lives.1 Despite its legality, there are severe risks associated with drinking alcohol. An alcohol overdose is when you consume large amounts of alcohol and run the risk of blacking out or becoming unconscious. This type of alcohol poisoning can cause severe medical conditions, such as stroke and kidney, liver, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes clients who are struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Our alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania can create a comprehensive treatment program based on your symptoms. We’ll perform a full health assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and which therapies could benefit you the most. By the end of the program, you’ll feel confident in your ability to abstain from alcohol use while continuing to participate in therapy sessions.
Recognizing the Signs of an Alcohol Overdose
An alcohol overdose is a serious and potentially deadly condition where a person consumes so much alcohol that they pass out and become unconscious. This type of heavy drinking is a clear sign they have a problem with alcohol abuse and need a rehab program.
Drinking creates a euphoric state and an improved sense of well-being. You’ll feel happy and sociable and want to keep drinking to continue this pleasurable experience. What they don’t realize is that this type of heavy drinking causes serious harm to themselves, and they run the risk of hospitalization, coma, and death.
If you or someone you love is drinking heavily and frequently passes out, you might be worried. Here are the signs of an alcohol overdose:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- A blue tint to their fingertips, skin, and lips
- Hypothermia
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
If the abuse is allowed to continue, it can lead to severe mental health conditions, permanent brain damage, and even death. While there’s no cure for alcohol use disorder, there are several treatment options that can help save them from irreparable harm.
What to Know About Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is when you drink too much alcohol at one time and run the risk of causing significant harm to your body and mind. It happens when you consume far too much alcohol in as little time as possible with the intent of becoming intoxicated.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Heavy drinking can lead to an overdose and alcohol poisoning if you’re not careful. Symptoms include mental confusion, difficulty staying awake, and disorientation. If they become unconscious or unresponsive, they’ll be challenging to wake up even when shaking and yelling at them. Other symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Blue or pale skin
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Low body temperature
If you recognize these symptoms in a friend or loved one, call 911. Try to keep them awake and alert. Don’t leave them alone if they pass out, as they can slip into a coma. Lay them on their side in case of choking and vomiting.
What To Do in Case of Alcohol Poisoning
Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is affected by alcohol poisoning. Letting them “sleep it off” isn’t recommended, as they can fall into a coma and die. Please don’t give them coffee, food, or water, as this won’t sober them up faster and may cause choking. Don’t run a cold shower and put them in it. The cold can cause shock or hypothermia and can worsen their condition.
If you know someone who’s drinking heavily, talk with them about enrolling in an alcohol rehab center. They can treat alcohol use disorder safely and teach them how to live a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Connect with The Ranch PA and Enroll in Our Alcohol Rehab Today
The Ranch PA welcomes clients who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other addictive substances. Our team has experience treating all types of addiction and can create a tailored treatment program based on your symptoms. You’ll work with a professional therapist who’ll work to uncover the original reasons behind the abuse and develop many coping skills to stop drinking.
If you’d like to learn more about our alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania, complete our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to speak with our team and begin your healing journey.
Footnote: