How to Overcome Alcohol Poisoning

An over dose on alcohol can be an extremely frightening experience. I am not a doctor- below is my advice on how to deal with alcohol poisoning effectively!

SYMPTOMS

The person may be unconscious, vomit, shake uncontrollably, be violent or aggressive or dazed and confused. Another sign is that the person cannot construct a sentence at all- they aren’t just tipsy or drunk- they can be understood, and their eyes are glazed over.

WATER

If you suspect someone has these symptoms (or if you do) STOP drinking alcohol immediately. It is the most obvious thing but DRINK WATER, or fruit juice, and plenty of it. If you have drank alot of alcohol, aim to drink a pint of water every hour.

It takes approximately 1 hour for ONE UNIT of alcohol you have consumed to pass through your body. So if you have consumed 20 units, it will take 20 hours for your body to recover- which is why you will have a hangover.

Before you go to sleep drink plenty of water- at least a pint- this will ease the hangover in the morning.

Drinking plenty of water may also help you to vomit- it may not be pleasant but you will feel much better for it. If you have recently drank alcohol, hopefully by drinking the water, it will come up, and you will have less alcohol in your body as a result to process.

If needed take a painkiller such as aspirin.

If you are hungry, eat toast. Stay away from dairy products, it will just make you feel worse. By eating toast, the bread will absorb the toxins/alcohol in your stomach. You may be sick but it will help.

Apply a cold flannel to your forehead and lie down. Splash your face with cold water. You will most likely be hot or flushed.

Other people experience being very cold but have a hot head/neck/chest- wrap up warm in a duvet and put a cold flannel over your head.

CARING FOR SOMEONE ELSE

If you are caring for someone else who is drunk- try to remove them from the situation (i.e a nightclub). If they refuse to stop drinking and you are extremely concerned- offer to buy their drinks for them- and make sure it is WATER or orange juice. If they are that drunk they wont notice.

If your friend of partner is being violent or aggressive, talk to the bouncer or barman. Explain the situation and ask for them to be removed from the premises. It may save them from getting involved in a fight and getting arrested. Make sure they are not driving. If they have driven to the pub or club, take the keys from them immediately.

Take them home, make sure the lie on their side, and keep a bucket by the bed with tissue in case they are sick.

Make sure there is a fresh supply of water in a jug or pint glass. If they are not allergic to aspirin give them one or two (always read the label for dosage!) to ease the hangover and headache. If the person is unconscious and you are very concerned, always call an ambulance. Its better safe than sorry. At the very least stay with the person over night- as if they vomit in their sleep, they may choke. Make sure they are lying on their side as a precaution.

If it is a young person (i.e under 21) its always best to call the parents, unless the parents are inappropriate! I’m sure they would appreciate a call and will be able to give you advice.

IN AN EMERGENCY

If someone is unconscious, on the floor, eyes rolling, and their breathing has altered and sounds affected, always call an ambulance. They may have to have their stomach pumped, which could just save their life.

Finally, all you can do is wait for the effects to wear off and aim to drink at least a pint an hour to flush your system out. Water is the only thing that will make you feel any better. Stay away from fizzy drinks, as they will make you gassy and bloated.

If you drink in future, have a rule, where past 12pm, you only drink water. Or- before you go out, have a meal.

Good luck!