Because alcohol use is so pervasive and widely promoted, many people remain unaware of its addictive nature and connection to serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver disease. In addition to the physical impacts, alcohol use disorder (AUD) has far-reaching effects in every area of life, including mental health, interpersonal relationships, employment, financial health, and overall well-being.
The Right Step Hill Country’s alcohol rehab near San Antonio, TX, offers relief to individuals struggling with AUD. Our experienced treatment professionals provide top-rated care in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment, free from judgment. Here, we see you for the person you are, not your disease. We offer multiple treatment levels to meet our client’s diverse needs. When you are ready to seek help, we are here for you.
Can You Overdose on Alcohol?
While many people, especially younger people, are unaware, it is entirely possible to overdose on alcohol, and it happens frequently. An overdose of alcohol is called alcohol poisoning, which occurs when someone either consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short time or drinks continuously over a long period while consuming little or no food or water.
The Cause of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning occurs when the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is so high that it causes the areas of your brain that control life-supporting functions like body temperature, heart rate, and breathing to shut down.
As the body digests and absorbs alcohol, it enters the bloodstream, raising the blood alcohol content (BAC). When BAC becomes too high, the liver cannot effectively break down the alcohol. Hence, the excess alcohol in the bloodstream acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS), slowing down essential functions.
A BAC of 0.08% is considered legally intoxicated for adults over age 21, which is the legal drinking age. A BAC of 0.30% or higher typically results in alcohol poisoning, and a BAC of 0.40% or higher is potentially fatal.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Everybody is different, so there is no sure way to tell how much a person can drink before they become at risk of alcohol poisoning. Body composition, biology, genetics, the presence of other substances, tolerance, and history of drinking are some of the common denominators that factor into the effects of alcohol on any given individual.
Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning can be life-saving:
- Confusion and slow reaction time
- Lack of coordination or inability to walk
- Vomiting
- Slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
- Bladder or bowel incontinence
- Cold, clammy, or bluish skin
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect someone you are with is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Do not leave them unattended. Keep them awake and warm, and have them sip water if possible. If they are unconscious, turn them on their side to prevent them from choking if they vomit.
The Risk Factors for Alcohol Poisoning
As mentioned, there is no exact way to determine whether or not someone will experience alcohol poisoning. However, certain behaviors can increase the risk, including:
- Binge drinking – Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings your BAC to 0.08% or higher in a short amount of time. The guidelines for binge drinking are four drinks for a woman or five drinks for a man within two hours.
- Drinking on an empty stomach – The longer alcohol stays in your stomach, the more slowly it is absorbed. Having food in your stomach helps prevent alcohol from entering the bloodstream too quickly.
- Combining alcohol with other drugs – Opioids, sedatives, and antihistamines are all depressants. Drinking alcohol with these drugs intensifies the depressant effects.
Age is a significant risk factor for alcohol poisoning that is often overlooked. Younger people are more prone to binge drinking and have less experience with alcohol, so they have a much lower tolerance. Peer pressure is a significant contributing factor to binge drinking. It is imperative to teach young people about the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol use in general.
Connect with Hill Country Today for Alcohol Rehab in San Antonio, TX
Ongoing research is providing more and more information about the short- and long-term effects of alcohol. At Hill Country, we know that alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs on a spectrum from mild to severe. We provide multiple levels of treatment to meet the various needs of our clients. If you are concerned about the role alcohol plays in your life, we can help. Call 1.844.675.1628 or complete the online form to learn about your treatment options and enroll in the program that is right for you.