Alcohol addiction is increasingly common today. Because alcohol is legal, it may seem harmless. However, alcohol can be just as addictive as heroin, cocaine, and meth. Many people in the United States silently struggle with alcohol abuse each year. For many people abusing alcohol, alcohol poisoning can become a common and deadly occurrence. Luckily, alcohol detox centers across the country can help people recover from alcohol dependency.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, call Baltimore Detox Center today. Alcohol detox at home can be dangerous and deadly. Call us now at [Direct] to get started at our alcohol detox center.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Because alcohol is common and easy to get, it seems benign. However, alcohol immediately affects the brain and other organs. When a person drinks, the communication pathways in their brain and the nervous system quickly get confused. As a result, it may be hard for some people to stop drinking after one drink. For many people, it can cause confusion, memory problems, and slow reflexes. Like any substance, alcohol can poison the body when they consume too much. Alcohol poisoning is considered an overdose of alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Slow heart rate
- Extremely low body temperature
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Clammy skin
- Loss of gag reflex
- Blue skin
- Loss of consciousness
Without treatment, alcohol poisoning can lead to brain damage and death. The signs of alcohol poisoning can be easy for a sober loved one to spot. However, for those who self-medicate in secret or for those who drink socially, it may be hard for people to spot these signs in time. When a person suffers from an alcohol overdose, they are most likely unable to help themselves seek medical attention.
Is Intoxication Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol use is common in the United States and beyond. More than 3 million people each year report experiencing intoxication. When a person drinks alcohol at a pace that their liver cannot process, they experience intoxication. Also called inebriation or drunkenness, intoxication can be a precursor to poisoning. The body experiences alcohol as a type of poison, whether a person drinks half a beer or several cocktails. As the body attempts to process alcohol in the bloodstream, a person experiences:
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance
- Memory changes
- Slow reaction times
- Dehydration
- Changes in judgment
While these symptoms are often easily treated at home with rest and hydration, the more often a person experiences intoxication, the higher their tolerance becomes. A higher tolerance may make alcohol poisoning more likely. When a person is intoxicated, they can easily lose track of how many drinks they’ve consumed. They can also blackout, lose their memory, and use other substances alongside alcohol without realizing how drunk they are. Loss of judgment and confusion can quickly lead from intoxication to overdose.
For those who attempt to quit using alcohol cold turkey, relapse and overdose are likely. If you’re ready to quit alcohol use, seek professional help from an alcohol detox program. Detox programs can provide a safe, alcohol-free space to recover. Most programs will use medications to ease withdrawal symptoms while supplementing nutrition and hydration. All detox programs include psychological counseling to help people determine addiction triggers and how alcohol affects their lives and loved ones.
Detox from Alcohol with Baltimore Detox Center
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, know you are not alone. Many people struggle to seek help for alcohol dependency. Know that dependency is common and treatable. At Baltimore Detox Center, we can help you or your loved one safely detox from alcohol. As one of the first free-standing detox centers in Baltimore, we know how difficult detox can be. Don’t attempt to quit using alcohol cold-turkey or detox at home. Call us today at [Direct] to learn more about our programs for alcohol abuse.
