Alcohol overdose emergencies can be very dangerous. We typically think of overdoses as relating to drugs. However, drinking too heavily can result in injury or even death. If somebody is incoherent, it’s important to get them a safe ride home. Heavy drinking can also cause seizures. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do at the moment if somebody near you is having one. Somebody unconscious from drinking is also in a lot of danger. If somebody overdoses on alcohol, the most important thing are keeping them hydrated and giving them time to recover. However, in extreme cases, they may have their stomach pumped at the hospital. It’s important to know the information about safe drinking practices so you can help a friend if they’re ever in trouble.
Alcohol Overdose Emergencies and Remedies: What to Do if Somebody Overdoses on Alcohol
If Somebody is Incoherent
One of the alcohol overdose emergencies that is most common is a drinker being incoherent. Another phrase for this would be “blacking out.” Often a drinker will not remember anything that happens after this point. However, they are in danger of potentially passing out. If this happens, they could choke on their own vomit. It’s also important to make sure that they have a safe ride home and don’t try to get behind the wheel of a car. If somebody you are with is incoherent, get them home safely and put them to bed on their side. Wedge a pillow behind them so that they can’t roll onto their back. It’s also a good idea to make sure they are not alone.
If Somebody is Seizing
Another alcohol overdose emergency that can happen in extreme situations is a seizure. Seizures from alcohol are rare but can be very dangerous. They can also occur when somebody is experiencing withdrawal from quitting drinking. If somebody near you is having a seizure, call 911 immediately follow their instructions. Otherwise, try to ease them onto the ground with a pillow or jacket under their head. Keep them on their side and move any sharp objects away from them. Never try to hold them still or put anything near their mouth.
If Somebody is Unconscious
Another alcohol overdose emergency that you could encounter is a person who has passed out entirely. This is actually indicative that the person could be suffering from alcohol poisoning. It can be very dangerous or even fatal. You should try to wake them up but if they are unresponsive, call 911. They are in danger of choking on their own vomit or suffering from seizures. A person’s blood-alcohol level can continue to rise even after they’ve quit drinking and passed out. This can lead to brain damage or kill them.
What Can be Done?
In extreme cases of alcohol overdose emergencies, drinkers may need to have their stomachs pumped. This is a procedure that empties the stomach contents through a suction device down the back of the throat. It is very unpleasant. More commonly, alcohol emergencies are treated by having medical staff monitor your vitals and give you IV fluids. However, the most common thing that can help with alcohol poisoning, is just waiting it out and drinking plenty of water.
Alcohol overdose emergencies are more common than you might realize. They can also get out of hand and turn dangerous very quickly. If you or somebody you are near is having an alcohol-related emergency, call 911 immediately. Never let somebody get behind the wheel of a car if they’ve been drinking heavily. If they need to sleep, put them on their side and stay with them. If somebody has a seizure or passes out, call 911 immediately to have them taken to the hospital. They may need to have their vitals checked or even have their stomach pumped. Hopefully, knowing a little more about alcohol-related emergencies can help you be better prepared if you ever see somebody in trouble.