Stages of Alcohol Poisoning

More and more people are uncontrollably leaning towards an increase in their drinking habits while facing deadly stages of alcohol poisoning. They in fact struggle with extreme dependence on alcohol each day.Alcoholism has definitely seeped into the routine and habit of many, so much so that over the age of 18, almost all adults have consumed alcohol in America.

Every one in three cases brought to the emergency rooms in critical conditions is a victim of excess consumption of alcohol.Responsible for one out of ten deaths in working-age adults, alcoholism is no less than a fatal disease. This is because it is an abnormal addiction for over-consumption, evident through extremely dangerous stages of alcohol poisoning.

Yes. As surprising as it may sound, alcohol consumption or drinking which many people consider as fun, relaxing even inspiring can become toxic and lead to terrible stages of alcohol poisoning.

Understanding Binge-drinking:Alcohol intoxication, in fact, is a serious condition which is caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol, in one sitting or within a short time. This is known as binge-drinking.Binge-drinking occurs in a male when he consumes 5 or more glasses in two hours. Whereas in females, the consumption of 4 glasses within two hours can cause alcohol binge.

It is all fun and games until the alcoholic starts experiencing the emergent signs and stages of alcohol poisoning. Drinking too heavily or too quickly can contribute to negative effects on the whole body.

a) Disorientation or confusion

b) Continuous Vomiting

c) Coordination difficulties

d) Low body temperature or Hypothermia

e) Stupor

f) Unconsciousness

g) Pale, clammy or blue-tinged skin

h) Irregular breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)

i) Seizures

a) Mild intoxication:More like a state of sobriety, this occurs with the consumption of one or fewer drinks per hour. The person at this stage will exhibit normal behavior with no noticeable symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

b) Euphoria:Consumption of two to three drinks (one to two drinks in case of a woman) will lead to Euphoria. This stage is marked by gleeful mood, boost in confidence, increased chatting mood, delayed reaction time,Called as being “tipsy”, this stage begins with the BAC of 0.03 ranging up to 0.12 percent. It is important to consider that 0.08% BAC does not legally allow you to drive on roads in the USA.

c) Extreme elation:Entering this stage requires the consumption of three to five drinks per hour. In the case of a woman again, that is two to four drinks per hour.This is the moment where an alcoholic starts feeling slight instability in emotions. Coordination difficulties will also start appearing along with:vision problems,drowsiness, inability to judge, loss of memory and balance

d) Disorientation or confusion:Taking more than five drinks an hour for a man and four for a woman results in this stage of intoxication

e) Stupor: Stupor is a stage where a person is very close to being unconscious and is marked by complete instability with no control over his own body. The signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning are seen to go up as the BAC rises up from 0.25 to 0.4%.The person may experience uncontrollable vomiting with seizures and blue-tinged or clammy skin and the impairment of gag reflexes will be apparent which is extremely dangerous.Similarly, a person choking on his vomit during this stage would require prompt medical attention or it would lead to the stage of coma or even death.

f) Coma:At this stage, the person will be facing a battle between life and death. With non-functional motor responses and slowed down breathing and blood circulation, the person is at the risk of death.The BAC will measure around 0.35-.045 at this stage

g) Death: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive use of alcohol leads to every one out of ten deaths in working age adults. However, this may not just be caused by too much drinking but also by drinking too quickly at once.

Ethyl Alcohol or ethanol is a form of alcohol. It is found in different household items, mouthwashes, beverages, perfumes, cooking ingredients and in a few medications.Ethyl alcohol poisoning is of course caused by heavy drinking within less time period. However, alcohol does not simply come in the form of ethyl alcohol as the popular belief is.

Isopropyl alcohol is another form which is found in lotions and other cleaning products.Similarly, methanol (ethylene glycol), an ingredient in paints, solvents, and antifreeze can also cause intoxication. This is why it is important to seek immediate medical attention if the person is experiencing any stages of alcohol poisoning from any form of alcohol.

Alcohol is quickly absorbed by the body once it is consumed. Surprisingly, its capability of being consumed by the body is faster than any other nutrient. But, the body can only take up one unit of alcohol in one hour.

Since the liver has to filter out alcohol from the blood as soon as it enters the body, binge-drinking may make it hard for the liver to do its job.

Even after the person has stopped the drinking, the intestines and stomach continue to release alcohol into the bloodstream. This is another thing that a lot of people are unaware of how long does alcohol stay in your blood. As a result, Blood alcohol content keep rising dangerously with the passage of time.

A) College students: The high school or college students, of course, have a more social, youthful life. Going to the parties can promote binge-drinking and make it riskier.

B) Middle-aged people: However, studies found that more than college students, people aged between 35 and 65 suffered more with alcohol poisoning symptoms. This may be because of changes in body chemistry with the passing age. Another factor can be the interaction of medications with alcohol.

C) White people: They were found more likely to die of the different stages of alcohol poisoning.

may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, or other approaches.

Treatment depends. It may occur on a residential basis or inpatient or outpatient.

Based on this, the factors affecting alcohol poisoning stages can include:

a) Physique, body type or age: The absorption is slower in people who are large.

b) Current medical status: Your health condition and diseases can put you at more risk for alcohol poisoning.

c) Drinking with a full stomach: This can lead to slower absorption as compared to have a drink on an empty stomach

D) Interaction with drugs: Consumption of alcohol with other drugs may increase your risk of experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms rapidly.

e) Amount of alcohol in your drinks: Of course, more alcoholic content in the drink increases the chances of more intoxication.

f) Tolerance level: Different people have a different level of tolerance for alcohol consumption. The lower the tolerance, the higher the chances for experiencing the extreme stages of alcohol poisoning.

Anyone can be inclined to binge-drinking in a state of excitement. This may easily lead to alcohol toxicity. Cutting off alcohol from your life is the best way to avoid alcohol poisoning. Or at least limit and watch over your alcohol consumption. This is because a lot of people are unaware about how negatively does alcohol effect our brain.

It is now your responsibility to reflect on the harms, the signs, and stages of alcohol poisoning. Once someone has been treated at the hospital after undergoing alcohol intoxication, rehabilitation centers can be of great help. The addict should not shy away from seeking counseling, help, and support from his acquaintances.

And it is your duty to not leave the addict helpless during this crucial time.The disaster alcohol brings into your life outweighs the momentary fun. Therefore, it is necessary that you take into consideration all the possible risks associated with alcoholism before trying to indulge in binge-drinking.