April is Alcohol Awareness Month — and on a college campus, that matters. Between tailgates, birthdays, formals, and random Thursday nights, alcohol can feel like a normal part of student life. But awareness isn’t about canceling fun — it’s about making smart choices, protecting your friends, and knowing when something crosses the line.
Let’s talk about what you actually need to know.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
This isn’t dramatic. It’s medical. And it can happen faster than people think — especially with shots, drinking games, or mixing alcohol types.
🚩 Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
If you notice any of the following, it’s an emergency:
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Confusion or disorientation
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Vomiting (especially while unconscious)
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Seizures
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Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
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Long pauses between breaths (10+ seconds)
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Pale, bluish, or cold/clammy skin
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Hypothermia (low body temperature)
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Unconscious and unable to wake up
A big myth: “They’ll sleep it off.”
If someone cannot be woken up, that is not normal sleep!
If Someone Passes Out — Call 911
It can feel scary. You might worry about getting in trouble. You might think it’s “not that serious.” You might not want to overreact.
Call anyway.
Most campuses and states have Good Samaritan policies that protect students who call for medical help in alcohol emergencies. No one gets in trouble for saving a life.
Here’s what to do:
RECOVERY POSITION
- CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
- Stay with the person.
- Place them on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking.
- Be honest with responders about what they drank and how much.
- Do NOT leave them alone.
- Do NOT let them “sleep it off.”
Your friend might be embarrassed the next day. That’s okay. Embarrassed is better than gone.
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