Hopefully, you'll never be in the situation of being concerned about a drunken buddy. Many drunken nights end in little more than a hangover. However, our society's usually casual attitude towards alcohol might make it easy to downplay the possible hazards of excessive drinkings, such as loss of consciousness. The central nervous system, which controls vital physical processes like breathing and heart rate, is depressed by alcohol. The gag reflex may also be affected.
To assist someone who has PASSED OUT due to alcohol consumption, follow these steps:
Help the person to a comfortable and safe place while using a calm and firm voice.
Assess if the situation is life-threatening and call for help if needed.
Gently place the person on their side with their knees up to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
Regularly check their breathing every 15 minutes and never leave them alone.
REMEMBER that time is needed for the person to sober up. Use lemon or black tea to sober them up.
AVOID giving cold showers, trying to make them walk, arguing or laughing at them, or counseling them at the moment.
DO NOT offer food, drinks, or drugs, including painkillers, sleeping pills, or depressants like Valium or Xanax, as they won't help and can be dangerous.
DO NOT induce vomiting.
Help them to not fall asleep. Keep their eyes open constantly.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
You may already be aware that passing out after drinking too much alcohol is a sign of alcohol overdose, often known as alcohol poisoning. When a person's degree of intoxication interferes with the fundamental physiological processes that keep them alive, a health risk arises.
If you are concerned that the person has alcohol poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Alcohol poisoning can be a serious condition, and it is important to get treatment as soon as possible.
Here are some signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning:
Confusion
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Shallow breathing
Slow pulse
Low body temperature
It's important to remember that even if the person has stopped drinking and is unconscious, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can still increase, potentially leading to permanent brain damage or even death if prompt medical assistance is not provided.
What to do when my friend is not responding or waking up?
If you are attempting to rouse an unconscious person who has passed out, it is crucial to immediately call emergency services (112 or your local emergency number).
Helplines
India
National toll-free helpline: 1800-11-0031
Alcoholics Anonymous national helpline: 9022771011 / 022-65055134,
USA
Alcohol Addiction Hotline Guide tel:+1-855-908-0087
American addiction center tel:+1-406-823-2857
UK
Drinkline: 0808 808 2234
Until the help arrives try following these steps:
Help the person sit straight
Check for breathing. If the person is not breathing, start Chest Compression
Check for a pulse. If the person does not have a pulse, start Chest Compression
If the person is breathing and has a pulse, lay them on their side in the recovery position. This will help to prevent them from choking if they vomit.
Loosen any tight clothing. This will help to improve the person's breathing.
Stay with the person and keep try them warm.
Avoid anything to eat or drink. This could make the situation worse.
If the person wakes up, monitor them closely for any signs of further problems.
CHEST COMPRESSION GUILD:
Steps of CPR
Position of Hand for CPR
While you wait for help to arrive...
Ensure that you stay with the person and do not leave them alone, as they are at risk of falling or choking on their vomit, which can lead to breathing difficulties.
Carefully roll the person onto their side, placing one ear on the ground. This position helps prevent choking if they vomit.
Prepare yourself to provide emergency responders with as much information as possible. This includes details about the type and quantity of alcohol consumed, any other substances taken, and relevant health information such as medications or allergies they have.
What are the risks if the BAC keeps increasing?
As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, the effects of alcohol become more pronounced, and the risks associated with it also increase. Even small increases in BAC can lead to reduced motor coordination, nausea, and impaired judgment. This raises the likelihood of accidents, such as falls and car crashes, as well as incidents of violence and engaging in unprotected or unintended sexual activities. At higher BAC levels, more severe consequences can occur, including blackouts, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Alcohol in the stomach and intestines can still enter the bloodstream, posing further risks to the individual. Sleeping off the effects of alcohol overdose is dangerous. One of the potential dangers is the risk of choking on vomit. Alcohol at high levels can impair the brain's signals that control automatic responses like the gag reflex. Without the gag reflex, an unconscious person who has consumed excessive alcohol is at risk of choking on their vomit, leading to oxygen deprivation and potentially death. Surviving such an overdose can also result in long-term brain damage.
What else happens when you black out?
After a night of heavy drinking, you may experience a significant hangover the next day. This is because alcohol depletes important nutrients in your body, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and calcium. To replenish these nutrients, it is important to consume a nutrient-rich diet the following day. A balanced breakfast with protein, fats, and carbohydrates, such as avocado on toast with eggs, can be a good choice.
Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can have mental and physical effects. Drinking too much can lead to the buildup of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that induces tiredness and can contribute to passing out. It is crucial to be mindful of the impairing effects of alcohol on your overall well-being.
REFERENCES:
Dan Wagener, M. A., & Thomas, S. (2016, May 4). How long does alcohol stay in your system? American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/how-long-in-system
Fainting. (2023, April 5). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-fainting/basics/art-20056606
Head, A. (2020, December 29). What actually happens when you pass out from alcohol? Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a34961651/alcohol-blackout/
Santos-Longhurst, A. (2020, December 14). What to do when someone’s passed out drunk. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/passed-out-drunk
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