Sunrise Recovery Ranch provides alcohol addiction treatment rooted in a science-based, research-supported clinical model to ensure a healthier, more satisfying life, without addiction.
Risk of Overdose
The risks of alcohol addiction and overdose
When an individual is trapped in a cycle of substance abuse, all areas of his or her life can be negatively affected. This is true whether someone is abusing an illicit substance, such as heroin or cocaine, or a legal substance like alcohol. Unfortunately, due to the availability and ease of accessibility that surrounds alcohol, it can be easier for an addiction to this substance to develop as opposed to a substance that is not so readily available. Once an addiction has developed, individuals can face career ruin, relationship disturbances, and financial discord. Marriages can be broken, child custody can be lost, and interaction with law enforcement can ensue. The impact of one’s problematic drinking patterns can affect not only the individual’s life, but the lives of those around him or her as well.
Additionally, those who are battling an addiction to alcohol face the risk of experiencing any number of adverse health consequences. And the longer that an individual continues to consume alcohol, the higher the possibility becomes that he or she will suffer from an alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning. Furthermore, there are some individuals who begin abusing other substances, such as prescription painkillers, in addition to the excessive consumption of alcohol. When this is the case, the risk for experiencing an overdose increases drastically.
Signs of Overdose
The signs of alcohol overdose
If an individual has consumed more alcohol that his or her body is capable of metabolizing, he or she is facing a life-threatening situation. Alcohol affects everyone differently, but anyone who consumes excessive amounts of this substance is at risk for experiencing an overdose, otherwise known as alcohol poisoning. Symptoms that could indicate that someone has overdosed on alcohol can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Loss of skin tone
- Vomiting
- Shallow or slowed breathing
- Confusion
- Drop in body temperature (hypothermia)
- Seizures
- Incoherent speech
- Loss of consciousness
Rehab for Overdose
Alcohol addiction rehab for alcohol overdose in Riverside, CA
In the event that someone consumes too much alcohol and suffers from alcohol poisoning as a result, it should be treated as a medical emergency with immediate care being sought and received. Should the presence of any of the previously mentioned symptoms arise, it could indicate that such an overdose has taken place, and should be viewed as a warning sign that medical care is required.
If you suspect that your loved one has overdosed on alcohol or a combination of alcohol and another substance, you should make every effort to accompany your loved one as he or she receives the necessary medical care. In this case, you can be of great assistance to medical personnel by providing them with the following information:
- The specific substance or substances that you believe your loved one consumed.
- The amount of alcohol or other substances that you believe your loved one may have consumed.
- All of the overdose symptoms that you recognized.
- The length of time that you believe your loved one has been battling chemical dependency.
However, if you are unsure of this information, it is best to be honest about that. Medical personnel will still be able to proceed in the care they offer even if they do not have this information.
If you believe that you may have overdosed on alcohol, and if you are able, you should call 9-1-1 immediately. Providing the same information as was listed previously would be beneficial. Even if you are unable to provide any further information, simply contacting emergency medical personnel could mean the difference between life and death.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you or your loved one has truly overdosed, it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact 9-1-1.
In some cases, an alcohol overdose could be a one-time occurrence in which an individual does not normally consume excessive amounts of alcohol, but did so accidentally. Yet, there are other cases in which individuals consume alcohol so frequently and in such excessive amounts that they are at a constant, ongoing risk for experiencing alcohol poisoning. When this is the case, it is imperative that these individuals receive comprehensive treatment in order to safely detox from alcohol and learn the skills necessary for preventing relapse.
At Sunrise Recovery Ranch, we recognize how overpowering an addiction to alcohol can be, and we applaud those who display the bravery required in seeking treatment. We offer comprehensive programming for individuals who wish to overcome their destructive behaviors and we create individualized treatment plans that assist these people in achieving their recovery goals.
If you or your loved one could benefit from the services offered at Sunrise Recovery Ranch, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help you or your loved one make life-saving changes.
