Alcohol addiction is a constant battle for someone suffering from alcohol abuse disorder. An estimated 17 percent of adults in the US binge drink consistently, which promotes alcoholism through rapid consumption of alcohol. A significant factor to consider when you’re drinking with friends is how long does alcohol poisoning last.
Several factors determine how long the recovery from alcohol poisoning lasts. Between age, sex, weight, and the types of alcohol you’re drinking, the timeline changes significantly. Knowing what to expect is essential if you’re attempting to detox from alcohol.
The good news is that you’ve arrived at this beneficial guide to learn more about alcohol poisoning, its timeline, and the symptoms to watch for. Continue reading to protect your health and wellness today!
How Many Drinks Leads to Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol affects each person differently, and the factors change depending on the type of alcohol you’re drinking. Your metabolism, age, sex, and the amount of food you’ve eaten will affect the possibility of suffering from alcohol poisoning. The type of alcohol and its strength will also affect how you feel.
Binge drinking is the most common cause of alcohol poisoning. The rapid ingestion of alcohol puts your body and mind in an impossible situation to attempt to keep up. Consuming more than five drinks in two hours is a case of binge drinking.
Drinks are 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Mixed drinks are challenging to track because they can have more than the standard amount of alcohol in them.
How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last?
Alcohol poisoning lasts for different durations for each individual. A short-term case of alcohol poisoning will last for a few hours. During those hours, it’s natural to experience confusion, seizures, and vomiting.
It’s vital to seek medical attention if you notice yourself or someone else suffering from the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Leaving these individuals untreated can put them in a dangerous situation that could result in death.
Medical professionals will know how to provide care and stabilize the patient’s condition. The recovery period is much shorter if you get access to medical attention and treatment.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Poisoning
The long-term effects you’ll experience from alcohol poisoning are severe and worth knowing for your health and wellness. Short-term effects are serious, but you can seek treatment through inpatient rehab for alcoholism. If you find yourself in a situation where you require medical attention to assist with your alcohol addiction, it’s best to seek help from an addiction counselor.
Repeated episodes of alcohol poisoning will do lasting damage to your internal organs. Your liver, brain, and heart will pay the price. You’ll also cause significant damage to your nervous system.
Mental health and alcohol addiction are other challenges you’ll face. Learning how to get alcohol out of your system is critical to maintain your health after drinking.
Treatment Options
You’ll find several treatment options to consider when getting your body and mind under control after alcohol poisoning. The best option is to take the individual to the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Healthcare professionals will use their knowledge and resources to restore a healthy balance to the body and mind.
Intravenous fluids are an essential ingredient in combating alcohol poisoning. It’s the best way to maintain hydration, vitamins, and blood sugar.
Oxygen therapy is another effective treatment method. It’s an excellent way to help with breathing troubles. Your body and mind will get the oxygen necessary to continue functioning.
In severe cases, the hospital will flush or pump the stomach. This process is most effective for removing alcohol from the body to encourage healing. When combined with hemodialysis, your body will be rid of alcohol.
Tips to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning
There are several things you can do for your health to prevent alcohol poisoning and promote physical and mental wellness. Drinking responsibly is the first step toward recovery and overcoming alcohol abuse. Here’s a deep dive into ways you can prevent alcohol detoxification.
1. Drink in Moderation
Drinking in moderation when out with friends is challenging, but it’s worth the effort to promote your health. It’s a good rule for men to avoid drinking more than two drinks daily. Women should seek to enjoy one drink per day to prevent alcohol poisoning.
You’ll limit hangovers and organ damage while ensuring you’re safe to drive home at the end of the night. Your commitment to drinking in moderation will protect yourself and others around you.
2. Never Drink on an Empty Stomach
It’s wise to avoid drinking on an empty stomach if you choose to consume alcoholic beverages. A stomach full of nutritious food will slow the effects of alcohol on your mind and body. The alcohol will take longer to absorb, helping you to maintain control of your decisions.
3. Drink Water
Alcohol is notable for dehydrating your body. You can counter its effects by consuming a glass of water after each alcoholic drink you enjoy. You’ll limit the harmful effects of a hangover while limiting the buzz caused by your chosen drink.
4. Track Your Drinking
A responsible adult will track their drinks when out with friends. Tracking your drinks helps you understand your limits and avoid surpassing them. Avoid drinking beverages with unknown contents for the best results.
5. Avoid Binges
Binge drinking is the primary cause of alcohol poisoning. Maintaining a grasp on your drinking habits will help you prevent a trip to the hospital. It’s also critical to know how any medications you use will react with alcohol before consuming beverages.
Learn to Detox From Alcohol Today
Alcohol poisoning causes extensive damage to your body and mind, and the best way to prevent it is by drinking in moderation and balancing your alcohol with water. Knowing how long does alcohol poisoning last is beneficial to understanding the symptoms and how to counter them. Track your drinking and consider inpatient rehab for alcoholism if your drinking is out of control.
Alcohol is a detrimental substance for mental and physical health. Learn practical ways to promote a healthy lifestyle with our Health blog posts today!
