A high percentage of blood alcohol can cause the areas of your brain that support breathing, heart rate, and other critical functions to begin shutting down. Approximately 50,000 people in the United States visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning warning signs of alcohol poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Serious complications such as brain, lung, and heart damage, and even death can occur. But as you continue to drink and your BAC rises, your blood vessels start to constrict and reduce blood flow and, therefore, heat distribution.

This may be quickly followed by a drop in blood oxygen levels, where you might notice the skin turning blue, starting with fingers, toes, and lips. People who binge drink have a higher risk of experiencing alcohol poisoning. Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks (for men) or four or more drinks (for women) within two hours.

Alcohol Poisoning Risk Factors

Though the primary effects of alcohol poisoning will typically wear off within several hours, it may take a few days for your body to fully recover. It’s important to understand that a person does not need to exhibit all these symptoms to have alcohol poisoning. So if you suspect someone you are with may have alcohol poisoning, it’s vital to immediately seek medical assistance. Depending on the type of food poisoning, symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Moderation, understanding your limits, and being informed are all key to enjoying alcohol in a safe and responsible way. Coffee, cold showers, and sleeping it off won’t reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning. To help a person who is vomiting, lean them forward to prevent choking. If they are unconscious, roll them on their side with their ear to the ground.

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Alcohol toxicity causes the body’s communication system to slow, which can also slow down other vital functions like breathing. When this happens, your body might go from https://ecosoberhouse.com/ taking 12 to 20 breaths per minute to less than eight breaths. Irregular breathing, in which a 10-second or more gap between breaths occurs, is also a possibility.

  • One of the biggest misconceptions about people who pass out or fall asleep from intoxication is that they are no longer at risk for alcohol poisoning, Dr. Andrews says.
  • Research shows that teens and college-age young adults often engage in binge drinking and high-intensity drinking.
  • The condition is usually linked to drinking too many alcoholic beverages.
  • But it’s important to know that, at this stage, the situation can progress rapidly.