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Alcohol intoxication, hangover triage, and avoiding drunk driving

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Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, severe physical impairment, dangerous decision-making, and debilitating hangovers. Knowing how to recognize alcohol emergencies, protect intoxicated individuals, and prevent drunk driving saves lives.

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  1. If an intoxicated person is unconscious, cannot be woken up, has slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute), or has cold, pale, or bluish skin, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
  2. Roll an intoxicated person onto their side in the recovery position (head tilted forward, top knee bent) to prevent them from choking if they vomit.
  3. Never allow an intoxicated person to drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or ride a bicycle. Secure their car keys immediately.
  4. Arrange safe transportation (rideshare app, taxi, public transit, or a sober designated driver) or have them stay overnight in a safe place.
  5. Provide small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte drinks if the person is fully conscious and able to sit up and swallow safely.

Recognizing acute alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a critical medical emergency caused by drinking toxic amounts of alcohol over a short period. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) continues to rise even after a person stops drinking or passes out.

Look for red flag warning signs: - Inability to wake up or stay conscious. - Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute) or irregular breathing (gaps of more than 10 seconds between breaths). - Seizures or uncontrolled muscle twitching. - Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin and lips. - Repeated vomiting while semi-conscious or unconscious.

... danger "Never leave an intoxicated person to sleep it off" Never leave a severely intoxicated person alone in a bedroom or vehicle. If they vomit while lying on their back, they can asphyxiate on their own vomit.

Preventing drunk driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol significantly impairs reaction time, coordination, judgment, and vision.

  • Designate a driver before going out: Agree on a completely sober designated driver before any drinking begins.
  • Use rideshares and taxis: Keep rideshare apps (such as Uber or Lyft) updated with valid payment methods on your smartphone.
  • Confiscate keys early: If a friend or family member who has been drinking insists on driving, hold their keys, offer a couch, or order them a ride.
  • Sleep over: If safe transport is unavailable, stay overnight at the location until fully sober the next day.

Hangover triage and safe recovery

A hangover is the body's reaction to alcohol toxicity, dehydration, electrolyte loss, and sleep disruption. Symptoms typically peak when blood alcohol levels return to zero.

  • Rehydration: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost fluids and minerals.
  • B-vitamins and light meals: Eat easy-to-digest complex carbohydrates (toast, crackers, oatmeal, bananas) to settle the stomach and raise blood sugar levels.
  • Avoid acetaminophen (paracetamol): Do not take acetaminophen or paracetamol for hangover headaches. Combining acetaminophen with alcohol increases the risk of severe liver damage. Use ibuprofen or aspirin with food instead if recommended by a pharmacist.
  • Rest and time: Time and rest are the only true cures for a hangover. Coffee, cold showers, or drinking more alcohol ("hair of the dog") do not speed up alcohol metabolism.