Alcohol poisoning: “Sleeping it off” can be deadly

        Alcohol is many things to many people. But if we don’t consume it responsibly, the consequences of alcohol consumption can be deadly, especially among underage drinkers. Any time is a good time to talk to the young people in our lives about the dangers of alcohol poisoning and what to do if they suspect someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning. 

Approximately 5000 people less than 21 years of age die each year from alcohol-related causes, including alcohol poisoning. Underage drinkers are particularly susceptible to alcohol poisoning because of how they drink, which is typically in excessive amounts over a short period of time. According to the Centers for Disease Control, underage drinkers have about 5 drinks in one sitting--this is considered binge drinking and commonly results in alcohol poisoning.

                   Alcohol poisoning does not have to lead to death, but it often does because many people are under the misconception that it is safe to let a person with alcohol poisoning “sleep it off.” This is unequivocally incorrect and dangerous. Sleep can be deadly to a person with alcohol poisoning because alcohol depresses the nerves that control involuntary actions, including breathing and the gag reflex. Consequently, a person with alcohol poisoning who falls asleep can vomit, choke on that vomit, and die from asphyxiation. Additionally, when a person has passed out from drinking too much alcohol, the consumed alcohol is continually released into the bloodstream so the level of alcohol in the body continues to rise—even though the person has technically stopped drinking. 

Knowing what to look for and what to do when someone has had too much to drink could help save a life. According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-poisoning/DS00861), the following are some of the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning (not all have to be present):

·       Consumption of large quantities of alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor) in a short period of time

·       Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)

·       Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)

·       Blue-tinged skin or pale skin

·       Low body temperature (hypothermia)

·       Seizures

·       Slurred, incoherent speech

·       Passing out (semi-conscious or unconscious)

·       Nausea, vomiting, or vomiting while asleep

·       Cold, clammy, bluish, or pale skin tone

·       Bluish color in the beds of eyes (inside red part of eye)

·       Very poor coordination, unsteady movement, or slow reaction time

If you suspect someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, follow these steps:

·       Call 911 immediately and say you need help for a person who has overdosed on alcohol. Every minute you wait before doing so could mean the difference between life and death. 

·       Stay with the victim—do not leave him/her alone.

·       Talk to the victim and try to keep him/her awake.

·       If the victim is lying down, roll him/her over on the side to avoid the possibility of choking on vomit.

·       Tell the emergency workers what and how much the victim drank.

Following these steps could save a life. It could also be in your best interest legally, as you could be held liable if you do nothing to help a victim of alcohol poisoning. Most importantly, remember that A PERSON WITH ALCOHOL POISONING CANNOT SLEEP IT OFF!