Alcohol poisoning -Meaning, causes, symptoms, and prevention

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol Poisoning is the intake or consumption of alcohol in a large quantity that becomes toxic or poisonous over a short time.

Causes of Alcohol Poisoning?

Wild parties: During wild parties, there is usually a competitive intake of alcohol products (beers, wines, spirits, rums, vodka), usually as a sport, or fun activity by a group of friends.

Alcohol Poisoning can also be accidentally gotten if children unwittingly consumption alcohol products at home.
This poisoning is possible because it all comes down to the organ in the body closely associated with alcohol: The Liver.

The liver functions as a filter in the body, to eliminate the toxic (poisonous) elements ground in alcohol from getting into the bloodstream. However, the liver can do this work effectively in one hour, with only 1 unit of alcohol intake.

This means that only 12 ounces of beer or one Heineken 33 cl beer or 5 ounces of wine (14.5 cl) or 1.5 ounces of rum (44ml) can be processed by the liver in an hour, also taking into consideration that alcohol is absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. This is dangerous that even if a person stops drinking, the toxic effects of alcohol poisoning can continue for over 25 minutes since the alcohol level in the blood keeps rising.

Who is certainly at risk?
Everyone!
From the lover of alcohol products to the child who wants to carelessly gulp down whatever he sees in a bottle, to the teenager who thinks binge drinking is the way to be cool and gain respect from his peers.

What are the symptoms of alcohol Poisoning?

Here’s what to look out for in a person who has been alcohol poisoned:
• Confusion
• Very bad slurred speech i.e. inability to speak with clarity
• Loss of coordination (the brain is unable to control the body movements effectively and loss of control on other senses like vision
• Nausea (vomiting)
• Irregular breathing
• Distinct pale skin
• Still conscious of things but not responding
• Unconsciousness (unaware of anything at all)
• Coma
• Loss of control of the bladder

Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

• The person could have his breathing stopped
• There could occur choking on the person’s vomit which could lead to death
• Dehydration leads to brain damage
• Severe low body temperature called Hypothermia
• Seizures due to reduced sugar level in the blood
• The person could vomit blood because his gullet is ruptured or stomach is
Some effects are psychological
• A poor judgment which in turn results in Automobile accidents, unplanned pregnancy, Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Aggression and Violence

Is there any prevention?

The old saying of preventive steps is advantageous than curative measures is true in this case. Alcohol Poisoning can be avoided if:
• Alcohol is consumed in moderation
• Alcohol is not taken on an empty stomach
• Parents, guidance, and educational experts arrange for teenagers to be enlightened on the dangerous effects of binge drinking
• Household products like hand sanitizers, alcoholic beverages e.t.c are safely stored away from the reach of minor children