Drinking is a normal part of life for many people in the U.S. In fact, it has become a popular pastime that many would consider harmless. However, unhealthy habits can quickly turn drinking in moderation into excessive or binge drinking. Excessive drinking can lead to a slew of severe consequences, including liver damage, brain damage, addiction, and alcohol poisoning.
If you or a loved one struggles to quit drinking, finding an alcohol addiction treatment program can help teach the skills for successful sobriety. At Northpoint Seattle, our team knows how important it is to learn how to live without alcohol for long-term recovery. With flexible outpatient programs that can work to fit your schedule, getting help has never been easier. Call 888.483.6031 or reach out to Northpoint Seattle online to get started in one of our alcohol abuse treatment programs today.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks too much alcohol in a short period of time. This impairment can happen from consuming large amounts of hard liquor, beer, or wine. Binge drinking is often to blame for alcohol poisoning, which is defined as four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks in two hours for men. When someone binge drinks, they consume a large amount of alcohol in a short period, which can lead to dangerous consequences like alcohol poisoning.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
There are a variety of symptoms that can occur when someone has alcohol poisoning. These symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow breathing
- Hypothermia
- Confusion
- Blue skin tone
If you recognize someone displaying any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Alcohol poisoning is a severe condition that can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Risk Factors for Alcohol Poisoning
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing alcohol poisoning. Some of these risk factors include:
- Drinking on an empty stomach
- Drinking hard liquor
- Chugging alcoholic beverages
- Binge drinking
- Being dehydrated
If you are engaging in any of these activities, it is important to be aware of the risks. Drinking in moderation can help prevent alcohol poisoning.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Poisoning
There are a variety of long-term effects that can occur from alcohol poisoning. These effects can include:
- Memory problems
- Liver damage
- Brain damage
- Addiction
The serious effects of alcohol can last long past the hospital visit and subsequent hangover. Frequent blackouts or cases of alcohol poisoning may be a sign of alcohol addiction, which can benefit from professional addiction treatment.
Preventing Alcohol Poisoning
There are a few things you can do to help prevent alcohol poisoning. Some tips for prevention include:
- Pacing yourself when drinking
- Alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Eating before and while drinking
- Avoiding hard liquor
If you are going to drink alcohol, it is important to do so responsibly. Pacing yourself and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can help you drink safely.
How to Treat Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Left untreated, it can lead to coma, brain damage, and even death. If you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately and do not leave them alone. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, try to keep them awake by talking with them or lightly shaking them. Do not give them any food or drinks, as this can worsen their condition. Additionally, do not try to make the person vomit; instead, keep them in a stable and comfortable position until help arrives.
It is also important to note that alcohol poisoning is serious even if it doesn’t require emergency medical care. It’s best for anyone who has been drinking heavily to be monitored by a friend or family member overnight, even if they don’t show signs of distress.
There are a few things you can do to help treat less severe alcohol poisoning, which includes:
- Staying hydrated
- Drinking clear liquids
- Avoiding caffeine
- Resting
It is also important to avoid activities that can worsen symptoms, such as exercise. It is important to remember, though, that severe symptoms of alcohol poisoning cannot be treated at home and require immediate medical attention.
Getting Help for Problem Drinking
Treating problem drinking before it gets to the point of alcohol poisoning is ideal. Fortunately, there is a range of treatments available for those suffering from alcohol addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognize the triggers that lead them to drink heavily and replace these behaviors with healthier alternatives. Inpatient rehab often includes both group and individual counseling sessions in addition to medications to help treat alcohol abuse. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can also be incredibly beneficial for those in recovery. With the right treatment plan and support system, it is possible to manage alcohol use disorder and enjoy a healthy lifestyle without excessive drinking.
The journey of recovery from alcohol addiction is not easy but getting help is the first step toward a healthier future. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem drinking, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. There are many resources available that can provide the guidance and support needed to make lasting changes.
Alcoholism Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
Struggling with alcoholism or maintaining sobriety after detox can be challenging without compassionate support. We offer a variety of programs and therapies that can be customized to fit your individual needs, including:
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
At Northpoint Washington, we know that everyone’s journey to sobriety is different. We offer a variety of programs and services to help you on your path to recovery. Call us at 888.483.6031 or fill out our online contact form today to learn more about our alcoholism treatment options.
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