How to recognise and respond to alcohol poisoning during the holidays
The festive season is a time for celebration but, for some, it can also lead to excessive alcohol consumption.
While social drinking might be a common feature of parties and gatherings, overindulgence can have severe consequences — one of the most dangerous being alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person consumes more alcohol than their body can process. It’s a global concern, but in South Africa, where binge drinking is a significant public health issue, the risks are particularly high.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in November 2023, led by Dr Brian Lee, a transplant hepatologist at the University of Southern California, highlighted the global rise in alcohol consumption since the pandemic.
This trend resonates in South Africa, where the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that half of South African teens consume alcohol, underscoring the need for education and awareness on this topic.
Understanding alcohol poisoning, recognising its symptoms, and knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives.
What is alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning happens when a person drinks an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time frame, overwhelming the body’s ability to process it.
The liver can only metabolise a certain amount of alcohol per hour. When this limit is exceeded, alcohol starts to interfere with essential bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation.
According to Dr Lizo Bango, a South African general practitioner: “The problem occurs when a person drinks more alcohol than their body can manage. Complications that lead to death may not be the alcohol itself, but associated issues like vomiting and choking.”
In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can result in long-term brain damage, coma or even death.
"Knowing what to do (and not do) in the event of alcohol poisoning can make the difference between life and death," said Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
Hewlett shares do’s and don’ts when someone might have alcohol poisoning
Signs of alcohol poisoning
Recognising the symptoms of alcohol poisoning is crucial and could mean the difference between life and death. Common signs include:
Seizures: Low blood sugar caused by excessive drinking can lead to seizures.
Cold or pale skin: Alcohol affects body temperature, causing hypothermia. The person’s skin may appear bluish or clammy.
Disorientation: The person may seem confused, unable to communicate clearly or act unusually.
Vomiting: While vomiting is the body’s way of expelling toxins, excessive vomiting can lead to choking or dehydration.
Slow or irregular breathing: Breathing rates below eight breaths per minute or pauses longer than 10 seconds are warning signs.
Loss of consciousness: If someone is unresponsive, they may be at risk of severe complications.
What to do if someone has alcohol poisoning
If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, act quickly and responsibly.
Here’s what to do:
Call emergency services: Your first step should always be to call emergency medical services. Professionals are best equipped to handle alcohol poisoning and provide life-saving care. Police 10111, ambulance: 10177
Keep them awake and upright: If the person is conscious, encourage them to sit up. If they can’t, place them in the recovery position — on their side with their head turned to prevent choking.
Monitor breathing and heart rate: Pay attention to their breathing. If breathing slows or stops, perform CPR if you’re trained.
Keep them warm: Alcohol poisoning can cause hypothermia. Cover the person with a blanket to maintain their body temperature.
Stay with them: Don’t leave the person alone. Continuously monitor their condition until help arrives.
Equally important is knowing what not to do:
Don’t wait for symptoms to “go away.” Immediate action is critical.
Don’t give them coffee; caffeine does not reverse alcohol poisoning.
Don’t encourage them to vomit. This could lead to choking.
Don’t give them more alcohol, believing it will “sober them up.”
Don’t let them lie on their back, as this increases the risk of choking.
Long-term risks of alcohol poisoning
Even if someone survives an episode of alcohol poisoning, the consequences can be far-reaching.
Repeated binge drinking or alcohol poisoning episodes can lead to:
Brain damage: Chronic heavy drinking can impair brain function, affecting memory, judgment, and coordination.
Liver disease: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver damage, including cirrhosis.
Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions are often linked to chronic alcohol abuse.
Tips for preventing alcohol poisoning
Prevention is the best way to avoid the risks of alcohol poisoning. Here’s how to drink responsibly:
Know your limits: Be aware of how much alcohol your body can tolerate.
Eat before drinking: A balanced meal slows down alcohol absorption.
Stay hydrate: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
Avoid mixing substances: Don’t mix alcohol with medications or other drugs.
Look out for each other: Keep an eye on friends and intervene if someone appears to have had too much.
Alcohol poisoning is a preventable but severe condition. This holiday season, let’s celebrate responsibly and look out for one another. After all, no festivity is worth risking your health — or your life.