International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 is a reminder that overdoses aren’t only a threat to people who use illicit drugs – they can also happen with alcohol. Many people underestimate alcohol’s risks because it is legal and widely available. However, it is more dangerous than you might realize.
An alcohol overdose occurs when your BAC becomes high enough to interfere with vital brain functions, including breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation. The situation becomes life-threatening when your body’s systems begin to shut down.
What Does an Alcohol Overdose Look Like?
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include:
- Mental confusion or inability to think clearly
- Difficulty staying awake or remaining conscious
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Clammy or pale skin
- Extremely low body temperature
- No gag reflex, increasing the risk of choking
If someone exhibits these warning signs, immediately call 911 and stay with them until first responders arrive. Even if they pass out, their bloodstream will continue to absorb the alcohol, worsening the overdose.
Why Alcohol Overdose Happens
Several factors can contribute to alcohol overdose.
- Binge drinking: Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time overwhelms your body’s ability to process it.
- Mixing substances: Drinking while taking prescription medications or illegal drugs increases the risk of dangerous interactions.
- Tolerance misjudgment: You may miscalculate how much your body can handle if you’ve been sober for a while and lost your previous tolerance.
An Overdose Can Be Eye-Opening
Surviving an alcohol overdose can provide the moment of clarity you need to recognize that your drinking habit has crossed into dangerous territory. Professional help can prevent future overdoses and address the underlying patterns and triggers that led you to drink excessively in the first place.
NEM Recovery helps our clients break free from the cycle of alcohol misuse through:
- Medically managed detox to safely address withdrawal symptoms
- Residential treatment to build new coping strategies in a quiet, discreet environment
- Science-backed therapy to address the root causes of alcohol use
- Family programming to repair relationships and strengthen your support network
If you show signs of problem drinking and have experienced an alcohol overdose, don’t wait until it happens again. Connect with us today to request help.
