Addressing Alcohol Poisoning in College
Drinking alcohol is part of the college experience for many students, but whether you’re drinking or not, chances are you will be around others that are. Being able to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning can literally save a life!
According to the Mayo Clinic , alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex. In some cases, this can lead to a coma and death. (1) Alcohol poisoning is usually caused by binge drinking, which is where you have a lot of alcohol in one drinking session. It can happen when you drink alcohol faster than your body can filter it out of your blood. Having too much alcohol in your blood stops your body working properly and can be life-threatening. (2)
Alcohol poisoning symptoms include the following:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing, which is fewer than eight breaths a minute
- Breathing that’s not regular. This is when there is a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths
- Skin that looks blue, gray or pale
- Low body temperature, also known as hypothermia
- Trouble staying conscious or awake
If you see any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately! Calling 911 and getting professional help can be the difference between life and death.
(1) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, April 29). Alcohol poisoning. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386
(2) NHS. (n.d.). Alcohol poisoning. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol poisoning/#:~:text=Alcohol%20poisoning%20is%20usually%20caused,and%20can%20be%20life%2Dthreatening.
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