Alcohol poisoning – Do’s and don’ts when helping someone

Affinity Health, a leading provider of quality health coverage, has essential advice on what to do and avoid in alcohol poisoning cases.

The holiday season and year-round celebrations can sometimes lead to excess alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning, a potentially life-threatening condition.

“Knowing what to do (and not do) in the event of alcohol poisoning can make the difference between life and death,” says Murray Hewlett, the CEO of Affinity Health.

“The South African Depression and Anxiety Group reports that half of SA teens consume alcohol – a concerning statistic.”

Here are some tips to recognise the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to help someone experiencing it.

Understanding alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning happens when you drink a dangerous amount of alcohol, often in a short time. Drinking more alcohol than the body can process interferes with vital functions, impacting the heart rate, breathing, body temperature and gag reflex.
In severe cases, it could lead to coma, lasting brain damage or death.

The signs
Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition marked by these symptoms:

• Seizures: Low blood sugar can lead to seizures.

• Cold skin/hypothermia: Alcohol affects body temperature, making the skin pale or bluish.

• Disorientation: The person might seem dizzy and unable to communicate clearly.

• Vomiting: A natural response to expel toxins, but excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration and choking.

• Slow or irregular breathing: Watch for breathing rates below eight breaths a minute or pauses longer than 10 seconds.

• Loss of consciousness: An unresponsive person might face severe, life-threatening complications.

How to help someone with alcohol poisoning
If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, acting quickly and responsibly is crucial. The steps you should follow:

• Call emergency services
Your first and most critical action is to call emergency services. Medical professionals can handle alcohol poisoning and provide potentially life-saving treatment.

• Keep the person awake
If the person is conscious, encourage them to sit up rather than lie down. Sitting upright reduces the risk of choking if they vomit. If they cannot sit up, place them in a recovery position: lay them on their side with their head turned to one side to prevent aspiration of vomit.

• Monitor their breathing and heart rate
Pay close attention to their breathing and heart rates. If you notice their breathing slows down or stops, perform basic life support measures (like CPR) if trained.

• Keep them warm
Alcohol poisoning can cause hypothermia. Cover the victim with a blanket and stay with them to monitor consciousness and breathing until help arrives.

How not to help someone
Even with the best intentions, some actions can worsen the situation for someone with alcohol poisoning. DO NOT do this:

• Wait for the symptoms to improve;

• Give the victim coffee;

• Encourage vomiting;

• Offer more alcohol;

• Keep them off their back.

Long-term risks of alcohol poisoning
Surviving alcohol poisoning doesn’t mean the person is out of danger. Repeated alcohol poisoning episodes and binge drinking can cause severe long-term health consequences, such as:

• brain damage: Alcohol can impair brain function, causing issues with memory, co-ordination and judgment. Chronic heavy drinking increases the risk of permanent brain damage;

• organ damage: The liver, which processes alcohol, can suffer significant damage from alcohol poisoning, increasing the risk of liver disease and cirrhosis;

• mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are common among people with chronic alcohol abuse. Experiencing alcohol poisoning might also be psychologically distressing, requiring counselling or support.

Preventing alcohol poisoning: Tips for safe drinking
While the immediate response to alcohol poisoning is essential, prevention is the best way to avoid it. Here are some tips for responsible drinking:

• Know your limits: Understand your tolerance and set a limit before you start drinking;

• Avoid drinking without eating: Eating a balanced meal before drinking helps slow alcohol absorption;

• Stay hydrated: Alcohol dehydrates the body, so alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated;

• Don’t mix alcohol with other substances: Combining prescription meds with alcohol or recreational drugs can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful effects on the body;

• Monitor your group: When drinking with friends, keep an eye on one another. Ensure everyone drinks responsibly, and step in if you spot signs of intoxication.

“Alcohol poisoning is preventable, and quick action can save lives. Prioritising caution and seeking help is essential,” concludes Hewlett.