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What’s the Difference Between Alcohol Poisoning and Being Drunk?

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Woman slumps onto couch as she pondered alcohol poisoning vs being drunk

If you know someone who is battling alcohol addiction or has binge drinking tendencies, it’s essential to understand the difference between alcohol poisoning and being drunk. While both may involve alcohol consumption and intoxication, they are two distinct conditions. Someone can be drunk or heavily intoxicated without experiencing alcohol poisoning. However, it’s critical to note that excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning and pose life-threatening consequences.

Alcohol addiction treatment at Calvary Healing Center can help you or your loved one overcome the struggles of alcoholism, including binge drinking and alcohol poisoning. Call 888.492.5113 today to get started.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially fatal condition caused by drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period. It occurs when the liver can’t keep up with processing the alcohol, leading to high levels of toxins in the body that can shut down vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature control.

While the exact amount of alcohol that can lead to poisoning varies from person to person, it typically occurs when a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.35% or higher.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include:

  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Blue-tinged skin or pale skin

When someone has alcohol poisoning, their BAC continues to rise even after they’ve stopped drinking. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death.

How Is Alcohol Poisoning Different from Being Drunk?

Being drunk is a common term used to describe the effects of alcohol on an individual. It usually involves feeling lightheaded, giddy, and uninhibited due to the alcohol’s depressive effects on the brain.

However, unlike alcohol poisoning, being drunk rarely leads to life-threatening consequences. When someone is drunk, they may experience mild impairments in judgment, coordination, and reaction time. They may also have difficulty speaking or walking straight.

In contrast, alcohol poisoning causes severe and sometimes irreversible damage to vital organs like the liver and brain. It also poses a significant risk of choking on vomit, stopping breathing, or having a heart attack.

Why Is Alcohol Poisoning Dangerous?

Alcohol poisoning is dangerous because it can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation. When someone has alcohol poisoning, their body may be unable to process the high levels of alcohol consumed, leading to toxic buildup in the blood and organs. This can result in severe damage to vital organs and, in some cases, death.

Additionally, alcohol poisoning can also lead to other dangerous situations, such as falls, accidents, or injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination. It may also put someone at risk for sexual assault or violence.

How Can Alcohol Addiction Treatment Help?

Alcohol addiction treatment programs can help individuals struggling with alcoholism and binge drinking tendencies to address the root causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These programs offer a supportive environment for individuals to detox from alcohol and receive evidence-based therapies to overcome their addiction.

Building healthy coping skills through therapy can help program participants avoid dangerous binge drinking habits and prevent the risk of alcohol poisoning. Treatment can also address any underlying mental health issues that may contribute to excessive alcohol consumption.

Don’t let alcohol addiction control your life or put you at risk for serious health consequences like alcohol poisoning. Seek help today to begin your journey toward recovery and a better quality of life.

Call Calvary Healing Center Today to Get Started with Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Ready to get started on your journey to recovery? Call Calvary Healing Center today at 888.492.5113 or reach out online to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment programs.