Alcohol Poisoning

Each year, students take risks with their lives by drinking more alcohol than their body can handle. This amount differs for each person, based on things like gender and body weight. But we all have a point at which alcohol can become lethal. Use a BAC chart to estimate what would be a lethal dose of alcohol for you, but realize that dangers are present with even moderate doses. If you think someone may have overdosed on alcohol, look for these symptoms:

• Person is unconscious or semi-conscious and cannot be awakened.
• Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin.
• Breathing is slow (less than eight breaths per minute) or irregular (ten seconds or more between each breath).
• Person vomits while sleeping or "passed out" and still doesn't wake up.

If the person has any of these symptoms, he or she is suffering from acute alcohol poisoning.

1. Get Help! Call someone (an RA, an ambulance, the police) quickly. The person's BAC may be continuing to rise. Waiting to see if the person gets better can be disastrous.
   
   
2. Do Not Leave the Person Alone! Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
   
   
3. Always be "better safe than sorry" if you are not sure what to do. Don't worry about getting your friend in trouble if he or she is under 21. University probation is a lot better than dying. Besides, how are you going to feel if you could have done something to save your friend, but didn't.

Disclaimer: The information found on this site is intended as educational information only. You SHOULD NOT rely on the information to make any medical or legal decisions. Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your health care provider. Any legal decsions should be made in consultation with your legal representative. The Student Center for Health and Well-Being will not be liable for any complication, injuries, or other medical accidents arising from, or in connection with, the use of, or reliance upon, any information on this web site.