Can You Die From Alcohol Poisoning the Day After?

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and often life-threatening condition that happens after consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period. However, the risks associated with alcohol don’t necessarily end when the drinking stops. Many people assume that the dangers of alcohol poisoning are confined to the hours immediately following heavy drinking. Yet, in some cases, the effects of excessive alcohol consumption can continue to pose a threat well into the day after. You can die from alcohol poisoning the day after, making it crucial to seek addiction treatment as soon as possible. This blog will further explore the question, can you die from alcohol poisoning the day after and review the signs of alcohol poisoning, how doctors treat it, and other facets of the subject. 

At WhiteSands Treatment, we are always working to gain a better understanding of the dangers and impacts of alcoholism. We offer many treatment options for addiction and can help individuals reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning. 

What Are the Five Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that involves overwhelming the body’s ability to process it. Recognizing the symptoms of alcohol poisoning can be crucial in preventing life-threatening consequences. 

Here are five key signs to watch for:

1. Confusion or Disorientation: A person with alcohol poisoning may become confused, disoriented, or unable to stay awake or alert. They might not respond to questions, seem incoherent, or show signs of mental confusion that are unusual for them.
2. Vomiting: Excessive drinking can irritate the stomach, causing vomiting. Vomiting is common in alcohol poisoning, but it can also be dangerous. It increases the risk of choking or aspiration, especially if the person is unconscious or semi-conscious.
3. Irregular Breathing: One of the most dangerous signs of alcohol poisoning is slow or irregular breathing. A person may breathe very slowly or even stop breathing altogether. This can cause lasting brain damage or death if not addressed immediately.
4. Low Body Temperature: Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to a drop in body temperature. A person with alcohol poisoning may appear pale, cold to the touch, and may have an abnormally low body temperature (hypothermia), which can be life-threatening.
5. Unconsciousness: A key sign of severe alcohol poisoning is unconsciousness. A person who cannot be roused, even with loud noise or physical stimuli, may need medical attention.

If any of these signs are present, seeking medical help is essential. Alcohol poisoning can progress quickly and be lethal without prompt intervention.

 

Is Alcohol Intoxication the Same as Alcohol Poisoning?

No, alcohol intoxication and alcohol poisoning are not the same. While both result from consuming alcohol, they differ in severity, symptoms, and risks. If you’re wondering whether you can die from alcohol poisoning the day after, you should also understand the differences between these terms. 

Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person drinks alcohol to the point where it impairs their cognitive and motor functions. It is the state colloquially referred to as being “drunk.” Symptoms include slurred speech, impaired coordination, poor judgment, and mild nausea. Intoxication is usually not life-threatening, but it can lead to risky behavior and accidents. 

However, Alcohol poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition and essentially involves overdosing on alcohol. This can cause dangerous symptoms, such as slow or irregular breathing, confusion, unconsciousness, vomiting, and hypothermia. Alcohol poisoning can lead to brain damage, respiratory failure, or even death if not treated promptly. 

Are You Drunk When You Have Alcohol Poisoning?

No, you are not simply “drunk” when you have alcohol poisoning. While alcohol poisoning can occur as a result of excessive drinking, it is a much more severe and dangerous condition than typical intoxication.

When someone is drunk, they experience common signs of alcohol intoxication, such as impaired coordination and altered judgment. These symptoms usually occur at moderate levels of alcohol consumption and are temporary. In most cases, people can recover after resting or sleeping it off.

However, alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that happens when a person consumes an extreme amount of alcohol, sometimes related to substance abuse disorders and binge drinking. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning go beyond typical drunkenness, inducing confusion, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, unconsciousness, and even seizures. The body’s vital functions, like breathing and heart rate, can become dangerously affected. If left untreated, alcohol poisoning can cause organ failure or death. It’s also important to note you can die from alcohol poisoning the day after, posing a more significant risk than being drunk. 

 

How Do Doctors Treat Alcohol Poisoning?

Treating alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications like brain damage, respiratory failure, or death. Doctors use several methods to stabilize the patient and manage the symptoms. 

Below are some of these methods:

1. Monitoring Vital Signs: The first priority in treating alcohol poisoning is ensuring the patient’s vital signs (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature) are stable. Medical staff will continuously monitor the patient for signs of respiratory distress, low blood pressure, or irregular heart rhythms, which are common in alcohol poisoning.
2. Oxygen Therapy: Doctors may administer oxygen therapy to help the patient breathe more easily if the person has trouble breathing or low blood oxygen levels. In severe cases, medical professionals might use a breathing tube to ensure proper oxygen supply.
3. Intravenous (IV) Fluids: Doctors will often administer IV fluids to help rehydrate the person, dilute the alcohol in their system, and restore electrolyte balance. 
4. Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels: Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in severe poisoning cases. Doctors may check blood glucose levels and administer glucose if necessary to prevent seizures or other complications caused by low blood sugar.
5. Preventing Aspiration: If the patient is vomiting, there is a risk of aspiration (vomit entering the lungs), which can lead to pneumonia or suffocation. Medical staff will position the patient on their side to reduce the risk of choking.
6. Medications: Doctors may administer medications to control symptoms like seizures or agitation. Benzodiazepines may be used to calm the patient if they are experiencing tremors or seizures.
7. Hemodialysis (in Severe Cases): In extreme cases, doctors may use hemodialysis to remove alcohol from the bloodstream more quickly, especially if the alcohol level is dangerously high and the person is not responding to other treatments.

Alcohol poisoning can be a scary experience for the individual and their loved ones. If your drinking puts you at risk of this occurrence and you’re asking questions like, can you die from alcohol poisoning the day after, it might be time to seek help from rehab centers like WhiteSands Treatment. 

Can you Die From Alcohol Poisoning the Day After? Contact WhiteSands for Answers and Treatment Options for Substance Abuse

If you or someone you know is grappling with questions like, can you die from alcohol poisoning the day after or seeking treatment options for substance abuse, WhiteSands Treatment can provide expert guidance and support. WhiteSands is a trusted provider of addiction treatment and recovery services, offering care for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. 

Our team of addiction specialists can answer your questions about alcohol poisoning and offer help towards recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out at 877-855-3470 for confidential support and resources to help you or your loved ones find the answers and care you deserve.

External Sources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol’s Effects on Health
• NHS – Alcohol Poisoning
• Healthline – How Do Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms Compare to Being Drunk?

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.