There are a few forms of emergency that can arise due to overconsumption of various drugs or substances, and sadly one of the most common here is the occurrence of alcohol poisoning due to binge drinking. If you’re present when someone appears to be experiencing an alcohol poisoning emergency, what should be done to ensure their immediate and long-term safety and health?
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we offer caring, compassionate addiction recovery programs and services to patients around Boise, Idaho and nearby states like Oregon and Washington. Alcohol rehab is one of our major programs, and we’re familiar with alcohol poisoning and all of its various risks and symptoms. Here’s a look at how to respond if you believe someone is experiencing an alcohol poisoning emergency in your vicinity, including someone you know who is dealing with alcohol addiction.
If the Person is Unconscious or Unresponsive
In the most serious cases, you may find someone who is completely unconscious or not responsive to any stimuli. They will not respond to things like your voice, shaking them, pinching their skin or other tactics – but they are clearly still breathing.
In these cases, breathing will often be slowed, as little as eight breaths per minute or even less. You may be able to see their chest moving as they breathe, but it will be slow and shallow. You may also notice clammy, cold and blue skin, or things like seizures, vomit in their airway, or loss of bladder control.
If you have any trouble remembering these sorts of symptoms, the acronym “MUST HELP” is often used:
- M: Mental confusion or stupor
- U: Unresponsive or unconscious
- S: Snoring or gasping for air
- T: Throwing up
- H: Hypothermia
- E: Erratic breathing
- L: Loss of consciousness
- P: Pale or blue skin
If the person is unconscious or unresponsive and showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to call for emergency medical assistance immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, make sure that the person is lying on their side with their head tilted back slightly. This will help prevent choking if they vomit.
If the Person is Conscious and Responsive
Suboxone is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment program for opioid addiction. It can be prescribed by a doctor and taken at home or administered in a controlled setting, such as an inpatient rehab facility. The dosage and length of treatment may vary depending on the individual’s needs, but it’s important to follow the recommended plan closely for the best results.
Suboxone works best when combined with other forms of treatment, such as therapy and support groups. It’s not a cure for addiction on its own, but rather a tool to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while the individual works towards long-term recovery.
Possible Side Effects
There may also be cases of alcohol poisoning where the person is still conscious and responsive. In these cases, their symptoms may include confusion, vomiting, seizures or difficulty walking. They may also have cold, clammy skin or breathing that has slowed to below eight breaths per minute.
In these situations, it’s important to call for emergency medical assistance as well. While waiting for help to arrive, try to keep the person awake and sitting upright. If they are unable to sit, have them lie on their side with their head tilted back slightly.
If the person is conscious and responsive but experiencing severe vomiting, try to keep them sitting up to prevent choking. Do not offer them food, drink or medication until emergency medical assistance arrives.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Help
Professional help is vital for alcohol poisoning, both in the immediate and long-term aftermath. Even if the person appears to have recovered from the initial emergency, there can still be underlying issues related to alcohol addiction that need to be addressed.
This begins with emergency medical treatment, which can include administration of oxygen, fluids or other medication. Once the immediate threat has been addressed, ongoing recovery and rehabilitation are needed to address the root causes of alcohol addiction and prevent future emergencies. This may involve therapy, support groups, and other resources to help the person overcome their addiction and lead a healthy, sober life.
Risks of Untreated Alcohol Poisoning
There are several major health risks that can come with leaving alcohol poisoning untreated. These include:
- Choking: As mentioned, vomiting is a common symptom of alcohol poisoning. If the person is unconscious or unable to sit up on their own, this could lead to choking and potentially death.
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased urination and dehydration. In severe cases of alcohol poisoning, this dehydration can lead to organ failure and other serious complications.
- Hypothermia: Alcohol lowers body temperature, which can lead to hypothermia in severe cases. This condition is dangerous and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Brain damage: In extreme cases of alcohol poisoning, there may be brain damage due to lack of oxygen or prolonged seizures. This can lead to permanent impairment and disability.
- Death: Sadly, the most severe consequence of untreated alcohol poisoning is death. This can occur due to choking, dehydration, hypothermia, or other complications related to the overdose.
In addition to these physical risks, there are also social and psychological consequences of leaving alcohol poisoning untreated. These can include legal issues, strained relationships with friends and family, and ongoing struggles with addiction. Seeking professional help is crucial in preventing these negative outcomes and promoting long-term health and well-being.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning, do not hesitate to call for emergency assistance. While waiting for help, make sure the person is lying on their side with their head tilted back slightly, and do not offer them any food, drink or medication.
Remember that professional help is essential in addressing the root causes of alcohol addiction and preventing future emergencies. Don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself or a loved one who may be struggling with alcohol addiction – at Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we are here to help. Contact us to learn about any of our addiction treatment programs across Boise, Idaho or nearby states like Oregon and Washington.
