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Risky Business - Alcohol PoisoningSome people laugh at the behavior of others who are drunk and think it’s funny when they pass out. But there is nothing funny about the aspiration of vomit leading to asphyxiation or the poisoning of the respiratory center in the brain, both of which can result in death. Critical Signs for Alcohol Poisoning
Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused.
Vomiting, seizures, irregular breathing
Hypothermia (low body temperature, person feels cold and clammy), bluish skin color, paleness.
Don't be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Don't worry that your friend may become angry or embarrassed-remember, you cared enough to help. Always be safe, not sorry. Sadly enough, too many college students say they wish they would have sought medical treatment for a friend. Many end up feeling responsible for alcohol-related tragedies that could have easily been prevented. Do's & DON'TS
Do:
put the person on his/her side to prevent choking on vomit.
call for help immediately: call 911, staff member, public safety/security, anyone who could help.
Don't: leave the person alone.
think he or she will be alright.
be afraid you are making something out of nothing.
Many different factors affect the level of intoxication of an individual, so it's difficult to gauge exactly how much is too much. To calculate your possible Blood Alcohol level and how it may correlate to behavior check: http://www.factsontap.org/factsontap/naked_truth/blood_alcohol_levels.htm * * * * Remember, the chart provided in the link above doesn't take into account your individual body composition, your use of medication, your mood changes, or your personal metabolism rate. Therefore, your blood alcohol level may in fact be slightly higher or lower than the chart indicates for the number of drinks you consume. Keep in mind that your body processes alcohol at a constant rate of .5 oz./hour, regardless of how many ounces you consume. Therefore, the faster you drink, the higher your blood alcohol level will be.
Binge pattern of drinking is the most common on campuses. This pattern of drinking is harmful because of the potential for alcohol poisoning due to the rate of consumption. Binge drinking is defined as "drinking 5 or more drinks for men and 4 drinks for women in about 2 hours" (NIAAA National Advisory Council, 2004).
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