Alcohol overdose is a health issue arising from excess consumption of alcohol. This occurs if the individual drinks large amounts of alcohol at one time. It is vital to call for emergency assistance if an individual is suspected with alcohol overdose since it can be serious and life-threatening.
Alcohol is a drug that affects the central nervous system. It is categorized as a depressant that slows down movement, speech and reaction time. It can affect all the organs in the body.
Alcohol overdose occurs if an individual drink more alcohol than what the body can process safely.
Even though alcohol is metabolized by every individual at a different rate, the body can safely process one unit of pure alcohol in an hour. If more is ingested, the body could not break it down fast enough which builds up in the body.
What are the signs?
The indications of alcohol overdose include:
- Vomiting
- Changes in the mental status including confusion
- Pale or bluish-tinged skin
- Drop in the body temperature
- Loss of consciousness
Since alcohol depresses the nervous system, it can lead to serious complications if drinking than a fast rate than your liver can process.
Treatment of alcohol overdose
Alcohol overdose is generally managed in the emergency department. The doctor will monitor the vital signs including the blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
In case serious symptoms arise such as seizures, the doctor will provide additional treatment measures such as:
- Medications or fluids intravenously
- Supplemental oxygen via a mask or tube inserted via the nose
- Drugs to stop seizure activity
- Nutrients such as glucose or thiamin to prevent further complications such as brain damage
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on alcohol overdose is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the signs, register for a first aid and CPR course with Saskatoon First Aid.