Excessive drinking can be hazardous to everyone's health! Some people laugh at the behavior of others who are drunk. Some think it's even funnier when they pass out. But there is nothing funny about the aspiration of vomit leading to asphyxiation or the poisoning of the respiratory center in the brain, both of which can result in death.
Common myths about sobering up include drinking black coffee, taking a cold bath or shower, sleeping it off, or walking it off. But these are just myths, and they don't work. The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time-something you may not have if you are suffering from alcohol poisoning. And many different factors affect the level of intoxication of an individual, so it's difficult to gauge exactly how much is too much (BAC calculators - http://www.ou.edu/oupd/bac.htm ).
Critical Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
* Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused.
* Vomiting.
* Seizures.
* Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute).
* Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths).
* Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?
* Know the danger signals.
* Do not wait for all symptoms to be present.
* Be aware that a person who has passed out may die.
* If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness.
What Can Happen to Someone With Alcohol Poisoning That Goes Untreated?
* Victim chokes on his or her own vomit.
* Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops.
* Heart beats irregularly or stops.
* Hypothermia (low body temperature).
* Hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar) leads to seizures.
* Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
Read More: http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/otheralcoholinformation/factsab...