Last Updated:
October 14th, 2024
Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition which emerges as a result of a person consuming vast amounts of it in a short period of time. This has drastic effects on the body, overwhelming its ability to process the alcohol and metabolise it at a steady rate. When intake exceeds this rate, alcohol begins to build up in the bloodstream, leading to toxic levels of its presence. This excessive alcohol use impairs vital bodily functions, which include breathing, heart rate and body temperature regulation. If care is not taken to handle the emergency with haste, it could result in coma or even death.
Why does it happen?
Alcohol poisoning may be mistaken for general intoxication. While intoxication may result in some of the same side effects, such as:
- Impaired judgement
- Coordination issues
- Drowsiness
Alcohol poisoning, in truth, is far more severe, with symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing
- Unconsciousness
This condition demands immediate medical care, as it can escalate rapidly.
The reason why alcohol poisoning is so prevalent is due largely to its close links to the binge drinking phenomenon in most Western countries, particularly among young adults and middle-aged men in the UK and the US. In both of these countries, binge drinking contributes to thousands of alcohol poisoning cases each year.
Psychological effects of alcohol poisoning
Alcohol affects the body in numerous ways, beginning from the very moment of consumption. Once it is ingested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, it travels into the liver, where enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) begin metabolising it. The liver has the capacity to produce about one standard drink per hour. However, if you consume alcohol faster than your liver can metabolise it, it causes your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise. This will lead naturally to intoxication but potentially also to alcohol poisoning.
The impact of alcohol on the body is widespread. It affects the brain by slowing down communication between nerve cells. This impairs judgement and coordination. At higher levels, however, alcohol actively depresses vital brain functions, leading to respiratory failure or even coma. The liver, being the primary site of alcohol metabolism, is particularly vulnerable. Excessive drinking can cause liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, and eventually cirrhosis, a severe form of liver damage. Additionally, alcohol can damage the heart, leading to cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and increased blood pressure.
As BAC continues to rise, alcohol’s toxicity becomes more apparent. High levels of alcohol in the bloodstream can lead to the shutdown of vital organs, including the heart and lungs. This can result in respiratory depression, a condition where breathing slows down to dangerous levels, potentially leading to death if not promptly addressed.
Signs of alcohol poisoning
There are several signs that alcohol poisoning may have taken place. Each one signals a medical emergency that requires urgent attention:
Mental confusion: This is where the affected person struggles to think clearly or focus, often appearing disoriented or unaware of their surroundings. This confusion is a result of alcohol’s depressant effects on the brain, impairing cognitive function and response.
Vomiting: This is another common symptom, as the body attempts to expel the toxic levels of alcohol. However, this can be dangerous if the individual is unconscious, posing a risk of choking or asphyxiation.
Seizures: These may occur as the poisoning worsens, indicating severe neurological distress. These sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain are a critical sign that the situation is escalating.
Respiratory issues: These are also prevalent, with breathing becoming slow, irregular, or even stopping for significant periods. This is a sign that the respiratory system is failing due to alcohol’s depressive effects on the central nervous system.
Hypothermia: Either this or a significant drop in body temperature can develop, often noticeable through bluish or pale skin, indicating that the body is struggling to maintain its core temperature.
Unconsciousness: This can usually be so powerful that the person cannot be awakened even with stimulation—it signals a life-threatening condition. At this stage, the individual is at high risk of death if not treated promptly.
Why and how social media encourages risky drinking behaviour and alcohol poisoning
When we discuss the binge drinking phenomenon, social media plays an extremely significant role in shaping behaviours that can lead to this kind of excessive drinking, particularly among young adults. Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok often glamorise the consumption of alcohol, presenting it as a fun, social and even glamorous activity. The social pressure that naturally results from this kind of content can trickle down and lead users to drink more in an effort to fit in or emulate the lifestyles they see online.
Social media influencers and celebrities often post content featuring alcohol consumption, subtly endorsing binge drinking as a part of their luxurious or carefree lifestyles. This can create a powerful influence, especially on impressionable audiences who aspire to mimic these figures.
Research indicates that exposure to alcohol-related content on social media can increase the likelihood of drinking, especially among teenagers and young adults. The constant bombardment of images and videos depicting heavy drinking can distort users’ perceptions of normal alcohol consumption, leading them to underestimate the risks involved, including the possibility of alcohol poisoning.
If you or someone you know is struggling with prolonged alcohol use or addiction, consider reaching out to UKAT today for help.