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Alcohol Poisoning Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Some people may drink large amounts of beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol) in a very short period of time. Children or adults may drink too much of some household products that have alcohol in them. Doing these things can cause alcohol poisoning. This is not the same as being drunk or drinking a little too much. With alcohol poisoning you may having problems breathing or trouble with your heart rate. You could choke on your own vomit or have seizures. This problem may lead to a coma or death. This is a serious problem. You need treatment right away. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Tell family and friends about your problem.
    • They can help you avoid alcohol during your recovery.
    • Try to be honest about your problems and how you feel.
    • Counseling for families may help you and your family to solve problems at home.
  • Learn how to cope with stress.
    • Take a slow deep breath, soak in a warm bath, listen to soothing music, or do some fun activities.
    • Make some changes in your daily habits and get a new routine. Avoid people you used to drink with. Find friends who do not drink.
    • Do things that you enjoy. Try gardening, walk with your pet, or talk with family or friends.
  • Choose a healthy lifestyle.
    • Eat a healthy diet. This includes eating whole grains, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
    • Exercise and be active. When you are fit, you may have less anxiety, low mood, and stress.
    • Get the right amount of sleep. This may be hard at first.
  • Find ways to stay sober.
    • Find new things to do. You may be tempted to drink because you have nothing else to do. Find a job or part-time job that you enjoy.
    • Join a support group. Take part in support group activities. It may help to have people you can lean on for comfort, encouragement, and guidance.
    • Do volunteer work. Get involved in community events.
    • Play sports, join a club, find an exercise program.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Be honest with your doctor about your progress or problems at home. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with fluid loss
  • Reduce cravings for alcohol
  • Prevent more problems

Will physical activity be limited?


Physical activity may not be limited. Doing certain activities may help you keep away from alcohol. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Choking
  • Not able to breathe
  • Loss of body fluids
  • Drop in body temperature
  • Brain damage
  • Heart attack
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). If you do drink, limit how much you drink.
  • Do not drink on an empty stomach. Food may help slow down absorption.
  • Store any alcohol-containing products in a safe place.
  • Talk to your children about the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
  • If you think you have a drinking problem, talk with your doctor about it.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Throwing up
  • Confusion
  • Slow breathing or irregular breathing
  • Blue skin color, looks pale
  • Not able to wake up
  • Seizures

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how I will cope with stress and how I plan to stay sober.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I see someone with or I have signs of alcohol poisoning.

Where can I learn more?


American Psychological Association ‚  
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx ‚  
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ‚  
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AlcoholOverdoseFactsheet/Overdosefact.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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