Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks so much that critical bodily functions begin to fail. Death from alcohol overdose is more common than you may think, with approximately six people dying in the U.S. everyday as a result of an extremely high blood alcohol content. With enough alcohol consumption, the brain begins to shut down and cause confusion, low heart rate, and loss of consciousness. Alcohol poisoning often goes unnoticed by others, and victims may be left to “sleep it off” while those around them are unaware of the seriousness of their condition. By understanding the risk factors associated with alcohol poisoning, we can take steps to prevent this unnecessary tragedy from occurring so often. Alcohol poisoning is almost always a result of binge drinking, which is defined as drinking too many alcoholic drinks in a short period of time. The exact amount of alcohol required to poison the system varies from person to person—what may be easily processed by one person, can become fatal for another. In some cases, alcohol poisoning happens after a person has developed an increased tolerance. As addiction progresses, increasingly more alcohol is required to experience a high. Some victims of alcohol poisoning have alcohol use disorder and have been binge drinking in high quantities for a significant amount of time. What is more common, however, is alcohol poisoning among people who have not yet developed an addiction. This often occurs in young people who participate in binge drinking with peers. Binge drinking is extremely common and normalized among teens and young adults, and alcohol poisoning is often not reported out of fear of consequences from parents and law enforcement. Whether the drinker is addicted to alcohol, or drinking for the very first time, alcohol poisoning can still occur as a result of too much consumption. If someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, it is critical to seek emergency services as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, or may be headed down the path of addiction, now is he time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.