Alcohol poisoning can produce side effects that are harmful and even deadly. If you drink large amounts of alcohol in a single sitting, then you may experience multiple immediate symptoms of alcohol poisoning. For instance, you may not be able to breathe, or you could end up in a coma. Your body temperature and heart rate could also skyrocket. Alcohol poisoning occurs when you accidentally consume too much alcohol quickly. This usually happens when you get intoxicated and do not realize how much alcohol you have consumed. If you feel that you may have alcohol poisoning, then you should seek medical attention right away and find a 12-step program in Asheville, NC to get back on the right track.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we understand the effects alcohol use can have on a person’s life. In order to successfully stop the cycle of addiction, our alcohol addiction treatment programs focus on evidence-based therapies that help clients change their behaviors and thoughts. We guide clients through the recovery process from beginning to end and provide support for life after rehab as well. For more information about our program or to speak with a professional today, you can call our women’s alcohol addiction treatment program at 855.773.0614.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?
Not all signs of alcohol poisoning are observable. You may not know that you are suffering from alcohol poisoning if you black out. The most common symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Disorientation or feeling confused about your surroundings
- Stomach problems including vomiting, dry-heaving, or nausea
- Severe seizures or convulsions that are uncontrollable
- Extremely slow breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
- Skin that has a blue shade or looks pale and clammy
- Chills from having a low body temperature
If you notice that someone has passed out and you can’t seem to get them conscious at all, then you should call a doctor immediately. Medical services are crucial. Even a drunk person demonstrates some signs of consciousness.
How to Handle Alcohol Poisoning
If you observe that someone else may be suffering from alcohol poisoning, then here are some steps you can take to help them.
1. Call 911
Do not delay calling 911. Also, do not assume that the person will sleep it off. It is always better to be safe than sorry. A person’s life may be at stake.
2. Try to Remember What Happened
When you get a chance to speak with a physician, try to recall the events leading up to the condition. What was the person drinking? What were the symptoms? How long has the person been in the condition? Are there any known medical conditions?
3. Do Not Abandon the Unconscious Person
If you can’t get the person conscious, then the worst thing you can do is to walk away. Monitor the person until the ambulance arrives. You may even want to accompany the person to the hospital or check in the next day to make sure they are okay. Addiction education may also be something to provide if this happens frequently.
4. Provide Assistance if the Person is Vomiting
There is nothing desirable about watching someone throw up. However, if someone is severely intoxicated, then there is a chance that they could choke on their vomit if they are left alone. Try to assist the person by preventing build-up in their mouth or throat.
Seek Treatment at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
Alcohol poisoning could be a sign of an addiction. If you are suffering from alcohol addiction, then The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. We are proud to provide alcohol addiction treatment to our clients. We offer a 12-step program in Asheville, NC. We also offer a wide range of holistic and evidence-based treatment programs that we can tailor specifically to your individual needs.
In addition, our dual diagnosis treatment program helps clients understand and manage the symptoms of mental health disorders in addition to addiction. We can help you get back on track with holistic therapies such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Meditation therapy
To find out more about the treatment we provide or symptoms of alcohol poisoning, feel free to call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® today at 855.773.0614.