When BAC reaches high levels, blackouts (gaps in memory), loss of consciousness (passing out), and death can occur. If you drink too often, misuse alcohol like binge drink, or drink to the point of blacking out, it can cause many physical and mental health issues in the long term. Alcohol in the form of ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, is in alcoholic beverages. It’s also in mouthwash, some cooking extracts, some medicines and certain household products. Ethyl alcohol poisoning generally results from drinking too many alcoholic beverages in a short period of time.
Stage 2: Increasing Alcohol Consumption
You’ll need to go to hospital to be monitored if you have alcohol poisoning. It can cause serious complications, like liver and heart failure, which can be fatal. Ensuring that you drink responsibly can prevent alcohol poisoning.
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Although young people are most likely to engage in binge drinking, deaths from alcohol poisoning usually involve men between the ages of 35 and 64, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ according to the CDC. And middle-aged people are more likely than younger ones to take prescription drugs, which can increase the severity of alcohol poisoning. If you’re with someone who might have drunk too much, call 911 right away. If you or your friend are under the legal drinking age, you might be worried about the legal consequences.
Differences in risks between smoking and drinking
But there’s plenty of research to back up the notion that alcohol does lead to weight gain in general. In reality, how does alcohol kill you there’s no evidence that drinking beer (or your alcoholic beverages of choice) actually contributes to belly fat. With continued alcohol use, steatotic liver disease can lead to liver fibrosis. Eventually, you can develop permanent and irreversible scarring in your liver, which is called cirrhosis.
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- As blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, so does the effect of alcohol—as well as the risk of harm.
- Heavy drinking can also lead to a host of health concerns, like brain damage, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver and even certain kinds of cancer.
However, there are ways to prevent yourself from getting into a position where your life might be at risk. Someone experiencing an overdose won’t necessarily have all these symptoms, but if they’re breathing is slowed or you can’t wake them up, it’s time to call alcoholism 911 and stay with them until help arrives. That said, it’s worth knowing your body’s limits and what to look for if alcohol poisoning is a worry. “Excessive alcohol consumption can cause nerve damage and irreversible forms of dementia,” Dr. Sengupta warns.
Stress emotions like depression and anxiety can cause a change in stomach enzymes, affecting alcohol processing University of Notre Dame. Again, these are estimated values and actual BAC can vary based on a number of factors. It’s important to note that reaching a BAC of 0.40 percent or higher is considered potentially fatal. We strive to do this as quickly as possible while also maximizing your coverage. Our insurance verification process is of no cost to you and there are absolutely no obligations.
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The day after enjoying your favorite alcoholic beverages is often marred by a hangover. Additionally, alcohol triggers inflammation, disrupts glucose levels, and affects the ability to achieve deep, restful sleep. “All of these factors collectively influence how we feel the following day,” shares Dr. Mathis. Research consistently shows that heavy drinking harms brain health, but emerging evidence suggests that even light to moderate drinking can be detrimental. A 2022 study found that just one alcoholic drink a day is linked to reduced brain volume, a trend that strengthens with increased alcohol intake.
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The authors of a 2023 review note that stopping alcohol consumption can decrease the risk of some types of cancer, especially those that affect the mouth and esophagus. Cancer Research UK says that drinking alcohol causes seven kinds of cancer, as it damages our cells, affects signals going through the body and makes our mouth more vulnerable to harmful chemicals. Drinking excessively stokes inflammation and impairs the immune response, making you more vulnerable to both bacterial and viral infections, and decreases response to vaccination. For some heavy drinkers during the COVID pandemic, this alcohol-driven hit to the immune system was deadly. Additionally, losing your inhibitions while inebriated can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including life-threatening ones like HIV, through condomless sex. Master how to stop binge drinking with effective strategies and resources.