What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol, once ingested, works to slow down some of the body’s functions including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. When the body’s vital centers have been depressed enough by alcohol, unconsciousness occurs which is an indicator that the person is dangerously close to a fatal dose. People who survive alcohol poisoning sometimes suffer irreversible brain damage.
Alcohol poisoning is when the body’s functions have been severely depressed by the effects of alcohol, enough to produce unconsciousness and in some cases, death. Signs of alcohol poisoning include: • Cold clammy skin • Unconsciousness • Slowed or irregular breathing • Vomiting It can be difficult to determine if a person has alcohol poising or is just “sleeping off” a night of drinking. If ever in doubt, call 911. If someone you are with is experiencing this it is important that they receive immediate medical attention, call 911.
