In some cases, it may prove fatal if a person does not receive emergency care. People are at a high risk of alcohol poisoning if they consume 12 or more units of alcohol, especially in a short space of time. This is equivalent to just under 6 medium glasses of wine, or around 7 bottles of 5% beer.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex. Some opioids are prescription drugs, used to treat pain and other medical conditions. However, most of the overdose deaths in Canada involve opioids produced illegally, and consuming illegal drugs can carry significant risks. The overdose crisis is a complex public health issue that has significant impacts on people who use drugs and their loved ones.
Alcohol Overdose
In fact, the smaller-bodied person may experience an alcohol overdose after drinking the same amount that a larger-bodied person can consume safely. People cannot treat severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — at home. If anyone shows signs of severe intoxication, contact emergency services immediately. These symptoms often occur in stages, depending on how intoxicated a person is.
Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol in a short period. Severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. The more you drink, especially in a short period of time, the greater your risk of alcohol poisoning. An overdose can happen when a person knowingly or mistakenly takes too much of a drug, like an opioid.
What to know about alcohol intoxication
Men are more likely than women to drink heavily, resulting in a greater risk for an alcohol overdose. Many people consume alcohol because it has a relaxing effect, and drinking can be a healthy social experience. But consuming large amounts of alcohol, even one time, can lead to serious health complications. Know the danger signals, and if you suspect that someone has an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help immediately. Do not wait for the person to have all the symptoms, and be aware that a person who has passed out can die. Don’t play doctor—cold showers, hot coffee, and walking do not reverse the effects of alcohol overdose and could actually make things worse.
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As a general rule, one standard drink will increase your BAC by 0.02 percent. So, while it might only take four drinks for you to be legally intoxicated, it’d take quite a bit more to kill you. The effects of alcohol are felt a little differently from person to person as a number of factors influence the amount of alcohol each person can withstand. People in this stage of intoxication are very likely to forget things happening around or to them. They might “black out” without actually losing consciousness and may not be able to feel pain.
Binge drinking and overdose
If you combine alcohol and drugs, you may not feel the effects of the alcohol. This may cause you to drink more, increasing your risk for an alcohol overdose. Having a high tolerance for alcohol or drinking quickly (for example, by playing drinking games) can put you at increased risk for an alcohol overdose.
For example, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a stroke, or a seizure can cause problems with speech and level of consciousness that may be confused with alcohol consumption. The good news is that it’s possible to survive alcohol overdose alcohol intoxication if appropriate medical treatment is given promptly. After an episode of alcohol intoxication, it takes time to recover. The person will be hospitalized until their vital signs return to normal.