Alcohol Poisoning

The Signs of Severe Intoxication
(or “How to tell when enough is enough”)

An intoxicated individual will typically show signs of alcohol overdose (or poisoning) that are good indicators as to whether they should receive medical attention.  Remember these signs and be the one to get medical attention for an intoxicated person…you could save their life! 

Symptoms of Alcohol Overdose or Poisoning: 

  • The person is unconscious or semi-conscious and cannot be awakened.
  • The person has cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin, lips and/or nail beds.
  • The person’s breathing is slow or irregular.  They are drawing breath less than eight times per minute (slow) or with ten seconds or more between breaths (irregular).
  • The person is vomiting while “sleeping” or passed out and is not waking up after vomiting.

If a person has any of these symptoms, he or she is in a potentially fatal medical situation due to acute alcohol intoxication.   To most effectively help this person:  

  • DO get help. Call Public Safety at x3333 to have them taken to the hospital. Alternately, call 9-911 for an ambulance.  Let your RA or HM know as well.
  • DO remain calm.  Your anxiety could be transferred to the person in trouble if they awaken. When you speak to the person, speak in a clear, firm, reassuring manner.
  • DO stay with the person.  Do NOT leave the person alone.  Turn the person on his/her side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.  When laying him/her down, turn their head to the side to keep their tongue from falling back into their throat.  Protect the person from swallowing vomit or from drowning in the toilet.
  • DO keep them still and comfortable.  Do NOT attempt to move the person around with walking, running, or exercise.  Any abrupt or unnecessary movement might cause the intoxicated person to fall or faint, with resulting injury.  Above all, do NOT permit them to drive.
  • Do NOT attempt to give the person food, beverages or medication.  This could induce vomiting or choking.
  • Do NOT attempt to constrain the person without sober assistance.   An intoxicated person can be very unpredictable and violent. For the same reason, do NOT laugh at, ridicule, provoke, anger, argue with or threaten the person.
  • DO keep your distance, particularly in the case of a belligerent or violently intoxicated person.   Before approaching or touching the intoxicated person, explain what you intend to do.  The person might be unpredictable in their actions. 

Above all, remember that it is best to err on the side of caution if you aren’t sure what to do.  Call Public Safety, an ambulance or your RA or HM and get medical assistance for the intoxicated person if you have any reason to believe they are in danger.  How can your friend be angry with you for caring?

Concerned about your drinking or drugging?
Check out these Alcohol and other Drug Resources