Alcohol poisoning Mate waipiro

Alcohol poisoning happens when someone has drunk a dangerous amount of alcohol, usually over a short period of time. Alcohol poisoning is serious and can sometimes be fatal.

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What happens when you get alcohol poisoning

Alcohol is a type of poison. When you drink it, it goes into your blood. Your liver works to get rid of the alcohol, usually handling about one standard drink every hour.

If you drink a lot of alcohol, your liver cannot keep up with processing the toxins building up in your blood. Your body then starts to slow or shut down parts of your brain. This includes areas that control your:

  • breathing
  • heart rate
  • speech
  • body temperature
  • consciousness.

When alcohol starts affecting these functions in your body, you have alcohol poisoning.

How to tell if someone has alcohol poisoning

If someone has alcohol poisoning, they may:

  • smell strongly of alcohol
  • have very slurred speech
  • be confused
  • be awake but not responsive
  • pass out and be unable to wake up
  • have a flushed red face
  • throw up (vomit)
  • have seizures
  • be uncoordinated
  • be breathing slowly, deeply, and noisily.

When to get medical help

If the person is unconscious, call 111 and ask for an ambulance.

Helping someone who has alcohol poisoning

  • Stay calm and reassure them.
  • Do not let them drink any more alcohol.
  • Check for signs of injury.
  • Keep them warm.
  • Stay with them.
  • Try to keep them awake and sitting up.
  • Give them water to drink (only if they are conscious)
  • Keep an eye on their breathing.
  • If they are uncooperative call for help — this might be a friend or relative.

If you are very concerned or are not sure if the person is in danger, call 111.