Alcohol poisoning - limits, complications, aid with poisonings

Alcohol poisoning occurs when an individual consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, overwhelming the body's ability to process and eliminate the toxic compounds. The substances in alcohol disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms such as weakness, impaired speech, headaches, nausea, balance disorders, and vomiting. These compounds are absorbed through the digestive tract - first by the stomach and then by the intestines. Peak blood alcohol concentration is typically reached within 30 to 180 minutes after consumption. Beverages with an alcohol content of 15-30% are absorbed most rapidly, whereas stronger or weaker alcohols are absorbed more slowly. The absorption rate also depends on the presence of food in the digestive tract - alcohol consumed on an empty stomach is absorbed much faster. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, breaking down ethanol by 90-98%, while the remainder is excreted unchanged through urine and respiration. During metabolism, the liver converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which then transforms into acetic acid. In this final reaction, disulfiram is inhibited, leading to acetaldehyde accumulation and severe poisoning symptoms. These symptoms resemble a typical hangover but occur with significantly greater intensity.

Alcohol poisoning is characterized not only by signs of intoxication but also by additional, concerning symptoms that require immediate attention. If there is suspicion that someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning, medical assistance should be sought without delay. Ethanol induces significant disruptions in bodily functions, with the body's response depending on various factors, including coexisting conditions, type of alcoholic beverage consumed, digestive system health, and manner of consumption.

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to somatic impairments in individuals, stemming from: poor nutrition and impaired nutrient absorption, the toxic impact of alcohol on multiple internal organs, and heightened susceptibility to injuries, infectious diseases, infections, or accidents.

Respiratory system: Chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the trachea and bronchi can cause damage to the cilia and mucous glands present there. Consequently, immunity is weakened, and susceptibility to infections increases. Nervous system: The brain is particularly sensitive to alcohol. The most common complications of the nervous system are: muscular changes (muscle tissue loss, muscle strength weakness), polyneuropathy (inflammation of multiple nerves), Wernicke's encephalopathy (symptoms include double vision, nystagmus, paralysis, seizures), abstinence seizures, optic neuropathy (eye damage leading to visual disturbances). Endocrine system: Changes in the endocrine system include, among others, disorders of sexual hormones, adrenal glands, and thyroid. In men, there may be a decrease in sexual performance, reduced sperm motility, and sperm defects, which can complicate conception. In women, menstrual disorders, early menopause, and even infertility may occur. Digestive system: Among the complications of the digestive system are damages to the pancreas, damages to the mucous membranes, and damages to the liver (fatty liver, fibrosis, which progresses to cirrhosis, and untreated cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer). Cardiovascular system: The most common complications are cardiomyopathy (heart function disorders), hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases (which can lead to a stroke), hematological disorders (bone marrow damages), and heart rhythm disorders. Urinary system: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the kidneys, lead to kidney failure, and cause gout. Immune system: Alcohol suppresses the defense functions of the immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases, cancer, tuberculosis, and pneumonia.

Individuals who abuse alcohol frequently experience low mood and depressive states. Research confirms that those addicted to alcohol encounter cognitive difficulties, including memory impairment, fact association, and logical reasoning. The most severe psychiatric conditions linked to alcoholism include: chronic psychoses, alcoholic psychotic disorders, acute alcohol-induced psychosis, Korsakoff syndrome, and alcohol-induced paranoia. As a legal psychoactive substance, alcohol should be avoided, particularly by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Even minimal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal development, leading to serious congenital defects, such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). In extreme cases, it may even result in miscarriage.

Excessive alcohol consumption by a breastfeeding mother results in its transfer into breast milk. Complete abstinence from alcohol is recommended for the first six months of lactation.

Consistent alcohol intake among adolescents is associated with significant adverse effects, such as: memory disturbances, reduced intelligence and concentration (which complicates learning), heightened irritability, touchiness, increased aggression, frequent annoyance, educational challenges, and lack of self-discipline. Furthermore, alcohol consumption at a young age substantially raises the likelihood of developing addiction.

In older adults, even small amounts of alcohol may result in adverse effects, including worsening of existing health issues, heightened stress levels, and the emergence of additional bodily risks.

Individuals with alcohol dependency lack control over the quantity, frequency, and duration of their drinking. The most effective approach to managing this addiction is complete abstinence. Alcohol consumption is legally prohibited in public spaces, workplaces, schools, during childcare, and while operating a vehicle. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established acceptable limits for alcohol intake for both women and men. Exceeding these thresholds heightens the risk of adverse health effects associated with alcohol consumption.

For men who consume alcohol occasionally, the daily intake should not exceed 60 grams of pure alcohol, meaning no more than 180 milliliters of vodka, 3 glasses of wine (each 200 milliliters), or 3 half-liter beer bottles at once. If alcohol is consumed multiple times per week, at least 2 days of abstinence should be maintained. Daily consumption should not exceed 2 glasses of wine (each 200 milliliters), 2 half-liter beer bottles, or 120 milliliters of vodka. The weekly total of pure alcohol should not surpass 280 grams, equivalent to 14 half-liter beer bottles, 0.8 liters of vodka, or nearly 4 bottles of wine (each 0.75 liters).

A woman should not exceed a single serving of 40 grams of pure alcohol. In other words, she should not consume more than 120 ml of vodka, 2 bottles of beer (0.5 L each), or 2 glasses of wine (each 200 ml) at once. If a woman drinks alcohol regularly, she should take at least a 2-day break between consumption and not exceed 60 ml of vodka, 1 glass of wine (200 ml), or 1 bottle of beer (0.5 L). In total, she should not consume more than 140 grams of pure alcohol per week, which corresponds to 2 bottles of wine (0.75 L), 420 ml of vodka, or 7 bottles of beer (0.5 L each).

During alcohol poisoning, vomiting poses a significant risk. If the patient's condition is not life-threatening and shows gradual improvement, emergency medical assistance is not required. In such cases, the priority should be rehydration and replenishing deficiencies in vitamins, glucose, and electrolytes. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.