Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning occurs when a high level of alcohol in present in an individual’s bloodstream caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol poisoning is typically accompanied by drunkenness, and often results in vomiting, semi consciousness and possibly unconsciousness. In extreme cases, it also can lead to death. While alcohol poisoning can be fatal, it can be prevented. Follow these steps on how to prevent alcohol poisoning.
Drink alcohol in moderation. Know your limit. Many doctors recommend that women consume no more than 1 drink a day, and that men have no more than 2 drinks a day. Because alcohol poisoning is based partially on body composition, smaller individuals cannot consume as much alcohol as individuals with larger frames. Before you start drinking, decide how many drinks you’re going to have and stick with that plan.
Eat food before drinking alcohol. The alcohol absorption rate is much faster once the alcohol reaches your small intestine. Previously consumed food will block the way for alcohol to reach the small intestine, where it will be absorbed into the bloodstream quicker. Consume food to decrease your blood alcohol content. Studies show that individuals who refrained from eating food prior to drinking alcohol, registered peak blood alcohol content levels in 30 minutes to 2 hours. In individuals who consumed food prior to drinking alcohol, the peak blood alcohol content levels were reached in 1 to 6 hours.
Choose drinks that have less alcohol content. All alcoholic drinks have different levels of alcohol present in them. Alcoholic drinks like vodka, rum or brandy have higher alcohol content than beer or wine. Drinking higher alcohol content products will increase your chances of getting alcohol poisoning faster rather than drinking beverages with lower alcohol content. For example, a glass of beer has approximately 4% alcohol, while a glass of wine has approximately 11.5% alcohol. Understand alcohol absorption rates. Alcohol is absorbed into the body when the alcohol concentration is 10% to 30%. Alcohol content of less than 10% has a lower concentration gradient, so the absorption rate is slower. Alcohol content of more than 30% has a higher concentration gradient and a tendency to irritate the gastrointestinal tract, which causes the alcohol to stay in the digestive system longer and leads to an increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
