When suffering from alcohol poisoning, patients often experience reduced and lost voluntary motor skills. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Therefore, we should not be complacent; it is essential to have knowledge to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and provide timely first aid.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
The symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning can range from mild to severe and typically include: agitation, unstable emotions, an increased desire to socialize, euphoria, excessive talking, delayed responses, impaired judgment, inability to control movements that require precision, and unusual speech. Other signs may include double vision (seeing one object as two), aggression, disorientation, confusion, numbness, and stupor…
Severe and dangerous symptoms of alcohol poisoning include: unconsciousness, unresponsive to stimuli, seizures, excessive vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, incontinence, reduced urination, respiratory depression (weak, slow, or stopped breathing, wheezing, accumulation of phlegm), weak cough or sputum, hypothermia (cold skin), low blood pressure, coma, and cardiovascular collapse… which can lead to death.
When a victim shows signs of alcohol poisoning, family members should elevate the patient’s head and shoulders.
First Aid for Alcohol Poisoning
When a victim shows signs of alcohol poisoning, family members should place a pillow under the patient’s head and shoulders to keep them elevated. If there is a buildup of phlegm, wheezing, or unconsciousness, lay the patient on their side. Then, attempt to induce vomiting by firmly rubbing both sides of the cheeks.
If the weather is cold, keep the patient warm. It is crucial to care for and monitor the patient (ensure they are breathing evenly, calmly, and have a healthy complexion; call their name to check responsiveness), and absolutely do not let the patient sleep excessively during the day or night. Every few hours, wake the patient. If they are alert and able to eat, offer them thin porridge to avoid hypoglycemia.
Encourage the patient to drink plenty of warm water to prevent dehydration and dilute the alcohol concentration in their body, facilitating quicker and easier alcohol elimination. Options like fresh ginger tea, green tea, warm milk, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon water, or grapefruit juice can help detoxify mild alcohol poisoning.
Do not let the patient fall or bump into hard objects, and do not place any hard objects in their mouth.
Always closely monitor the patient, as if they remain unresponsive, have a significant amount of phlegm, do not respond to shaking or calling, exhibit rapid deep breathing, or even have convulsions… If the patient awakens but experiences severe headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye pain, double vision, reduced or lost vision, excessive sweating, cold extremities, or pale skin… keep them in a safe position on their side with their head elevated, and quickly call for assistance or an ambulance to transport the patient to a medical facility for timely care.
How to Drink Alcohol Safely to Avoid Poisoning?
To prevent alcohol poisoning, experts advise consumers not to drink industrial alcohol or beverages containing methanol at levels of 0.1% or higher; however, it is usually difficult to distinguish which alcohol is safe. Therefore, do not consume alcohol if you are unsure of its origin; avoid drinking on an empty stomach, when tired, or while taking medication; and refrain from consuming alcohol infused with leaves, roots, or animal organs with unknown toxicity or homemade brews.
An average person should not consume more than one unit of alcohol per day (one unit contains 10 g of alcohol), equivalent to 30 ml of strong liquor (40-43% alcohol) or 100 ml of wine (13.5% alcohol); 330 ml of light beer (5% alcohol); or two-thirds of a 500 ml bottle or a 330 ml can of beer (5% alcohol).
Children under 16 years old should not consume alcohol. Pregnant women who consume large amounts of alcohol may risk premature birth and adversely affect the physical, mental, and intellectual development of the child, causing fetal intoxication.
Alcohol is classified as a restricted commodity by the state, requiring a license and compliance with legal regulations. The production and sale of unsafe alcoholic beverages, such as those mixed with industrial alcohol containing methanol or made from low-quality, unverified ingredients, is prohibited.
