ADEP - ALCOHOL OVERDOSE / POISONING
Someone you know may experience alcohol overdose (alcohol poisoning). Alcohol overdose results from drinking too much alcohol too quickly. The amount can vary based on the person's gender, body weight, amount of food eaten, other legal or illegal drugs taken at the same time, and other factors ... so one person may be OK and another seriously ill after consuming the same amount of alcohol.

Alcohol is a depressant; it slows down the body's functions, including respiration, heart rate, and brain activity. An overdose can lead to coma or death. This is potentially life-threatening; please check the following symptoms to determine whether you need to call someone for help.

If the person has any of the following symptoms, their life might be in danger!
  • unconscious or semi-conscious and cannot be awakened
  • vomiting while sleeping or passed out and not waking up during or after vomiting
  • rate of respiration is slow (8 breaths per minute or less) or irregular (10 seconds or more between breaths at times)
  • skin is cold, clammy, pale, or bluish color
  • disorientation (doesn't know where she/he is, who you are, etc.)

If you observe one or more of the above symptoms, or if you believe the person's health is in danger, call ext. 6-6911 (on campus), or 911 immediately!

  • Do NOT let an unresponsive person sleep it off - his/her alcohol level may be continuing to rise even though she/he is no longer drinking. You may know people who have been just fine after passing out, but that doesn't mean it will be true this time. Everyone is different.
  • If the person is vomiting, try to keep him/her sitting up. If the person must lie down, turn them on their side to prevent from choking if they should vomit - maintain in that position until emergency personnel arrive.
  • Do NOT give food, fluids/liquids, medicines, or any drugs to the person.
  • Do NOT put the person in a shower or tub of water.
  • Do NOT allow the person to drive a car or ride a bicycle.
  • Do NOT try to exercise the person.
  • STAY with the person and try to wake them up frequently until help arrives.

Do not worry about making a mistake or getting the person in trouble. If you think his/her health may be at risk, call ext. 6-6911 (on campus), or 911 and let the professionals evaluate the situation. You might save someone's life!


Last Updated: 03.09.2010