SUN Behavioral KY Discusses Alcohol Poisoning

Erlanger, KY - SUN Behavioral Kentucky discussed the dangers people can face when they have alcohol poisoning due to binge drinking in a new blog post. These dangers affect the entire body including the brain, kidneys, and lungs, and can be felt within 45 minutes. Everyone processes alcohol differently based on body fat percentage and gender.

“Alcohol poisoning can occur with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .25% or higher. While vomiting can happen around .15% BAC, more serious symptoms begin around the .25% mark. Once the BAC reaches over .30%, the risk of loss of consciousness, coma, and death from respiratory arrest increase exponentially,” the article says.

Excessive amounts of alcohol are too much for the liver to keep up successfully, impacting the entire body. On average, the liver can only process one drink per hour. One drink is 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1.5 ounces of all other types of alcohol. This alcohol includes tequila, whiskey, and gin. As the alcohol sits in the bloodstream unable to move on, it will build up in the body, causing it to vomit to get rid of the excess substance.

Over a long period, alcohol can lead to alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy. This leads to the heart having difficulty pumping blood to the rest of the body. This results in an irregular heartbeat or even heart failure. As the heart becomes irregular, the body’s temperature drops increasing the chance of cardiac arrest.

There are some signs that a person can be aware of that will indicate they are experiencing alcohol poisoning. These include confusion, vomiting, being in and out of consciousness, and impaired speech. In more serious cases, a person may have trouble breathing, seizures, low body temperature, and slowed heart rate. These symptoms can lead to dangerous situations for the person experiencing them.

If someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, do not leave them alone. Choking or injuries are possible, so keeping them in a safe space on their side is important to keep them from choking on vomit.

“The first step in helping someone with alcohol poisoning is to get them somewhere safe. Find a quiet room and keep them warm. Keep them on their side to reduce the risk of choking on vomit and call 911. When help arrives, be honest about how much the person has been drinking and if any other substances are in their system. This will allow them to treat accordingly,” the article continues.

Eating food before and during the consumption of alcohol can help prevent someone from experiencing alcohol poisoning. A person can also stick to one drink an hour.

If someone has an alcohol use disorder, they are more likely to experience alcohol poisoning. It can affect other areas of people’s lives physically and mentally. Recovering from an alcohol use disorder is the best way to avoid alcohol poisoning.

SUN Behavioral Kentucky offers intensive outpatient services. These services allow patients to visit the facility daily and return home at night. They meet the unmet needs of their community. They can do this by providing crisis care with no-cost care assessments. People can be admitted at any hour of the day with their 24-hour admittance. These assessments are also available via telehealth video.

For more information about SUN Behavioral Kentucky and their services, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188.