This article discusses the signs, symptoms, and causes of alcohol poisoning. During the recovery period, a person may experience a depressed mood and appetite, discomfort, and memory problems. Even after a person is released from hospital care, it can take up to a month for them to feel normal again. It may seem like a person has to drink a lot to get to this stage. But if a person drinks very quickly, they can get to this stage before long.

• Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person drinks so much alcohol that it becomes dangerously toxic to their body.
• It’s crucial to recognize these signs promptly as they can lead to dangerous situations, including self-harm or harm to others.
• Even small increases in BAC can decrease motor coordination, make a person feel sick, and cloud judgment.

How Does the Body Absorb Alcohol?

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• Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially deadly condition that occurs when a person consumes a toxic amount of alcohol over a short period.
• However, severe alcohol overdose may cause seizures, resulting in brain damage if oxygen to the brain is cut off.
• Alcohol poisoning is the presence of so much alcohol in the blood that it alters the function of the brain and other organs.
• It causes physical and behavioral symptoms that range from mild to severe.
• If you survive an overdose without these complications, your long-term outlook will be very good.

Research indicates that while men typically consume more alcohol than women, women experience more severe consequences at lower levels of alcohol exposure. It’s crucial to recognize these signs promptly as they can lead to dangerous situations, including self-harm or harm to others. In extreme cases, the mental effects of alcohol poisoning can result in long-term damage to the brain, including memory problems and cognitive deficits.

Talk to Someone About Alcoholism Treatment

Men ages are the most common demographic in alcohol poisoning-related fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 2,200 alcohol poisoning deaths in the United States each year. This stage can be very dangerous and even fatal if a person chokes on their vomit or becomes critically injured. People in this stage of intoxication are very likely to forget things happening around or to them. They might “black out” without actually losing consciousness and may not be able to feel pain.

What is alcohol intoxication?

A person does not need to exhibit all of these symptoms to be in danger of dying or sustaining permanent brain damage. Aging can exacerbate the effects of alcohol, leading to serious health issues like fatty liver, cirrhosis, and a higher risk of stroke. These conditions are more common in older adults, who also experience thinner bones and a higher risk of fractures with heavy alcohol use.

Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem. An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept alcohol overdose that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.

At Healthgrades, our Editorial Team works hard to develop complete, objective and meaningful health information to help people choose the right doctor, right hospital and right care. Our writers include physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses with firsthand clinical experience. All condition, treatment and wellness content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional ensuring the most accurate information possible. This generally means having one drink per day for females or having two drinks per day for males.

• If you’ve drunk a dangerous amount of alcohol, doctors may “pump” your stomach.
• In the U.S., paramedics don’t charge for a visit unless the person needs to go to the hospital.