It is possible to overdose on alcohol. When you drink alcohol faster than your liver can metabolize it, toxic byproducts start to build up in your system and cause alcohol poisoning. More than 2000 Americans die of alcohol poisoning every year. We typically think of alcohol poisoning mainly affecting college students, especially in sororities and fraternities, since cases like these often make the news. However, alcohol poisoning can happen at any age and is fact most common among middle-aged people, and especially among men between the ages of 45 and 54. Everyone metabolizes alcohol at a different rate, but on average, your body can process the equivalent of about half a pint of beer every hour. What your liver can’t process stays in your bloodstream and affects your other organs. Too much alcohol in your bloodstream can depress your nervous system, suppressing your breathing and gag reflex and putting you at risk for suffocation or choking. Keep in mind that blood alcohol levels can continue to rise after someone has stopped drinking. Just because someone appeared to be ok when he fell asleep doesn’t mean he won’t develop symptoms of alcohol poisoning, so be sure to check on anyone who has fallen asleep after heavy drinking. Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning you should get him medical help as soon as possible. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include passing out and becoming unresponsive–that is, the person won’t wake up or won’t respond to shaking or hearing his name. Someone with alcohol poisoning may have slow or abnormal breathing, with up to 10 seconds between breaths. He may be confused and have pale or bluish skin. He may vomit. Vomiting is a particular concern because his gag reflex may be impaired, causing him to choke. Someone with very bad alcohol poisoning might stop breathing completely. His blood sugar may drop, leading to seizures. He might develop hypothermia or a drop in body temperature, which can cause a heart attack. He may also be at risk for severe dehydration, which can cause brain damage and other problems. It’s also possible he might slip into a coma. If someone exhibits these signs, call an ambulance. In the meantime, try to keep him awake and sitting up. If he must lie down, make sure he’s on his side so he can’t choke if he vomits. If possible, give him water, but not coffee or alcohol. Don’t try to make him walk around. Alcohol poisoning is typically treated with IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, nutrients, and antiseizure medication.
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