So, how much is too much? This is very hard to tell - it depends on your height, weight, genes, environment and other factors . However, if an average person drank one and a half 75cl (full size) bottles of spirits, or equivalent, it would be enough to kill them. If you are small or female you could die on half of that amount. Huge amounts of alcohol depress your brain - and that effects your breathing, heart and body temperature - your body basically winds down until something stops - i.e. your heart.
What does alcohol poisoning look like?
A person may collapse .
They may be difficult to rouse .
Their skin may be cold and clammy .
Their breathing will be slow and noisy .
The pupils of the eyes may be wide .
They may vomit .
They may wet themselves (or Worse!)
How can you avoid it?
Eat before and during drinking (A kit-kat doesn't count!)
Don't down your drinks in one - sip slowly.
Have soft drinks in between alcoholic drinks.
Avoid buying 'rounds' - drink at your own pace.
Watch out for drinks you haven't had before and be aware of 'home' measures.
Drink for taste rather than effect.
Don't take part in drinking games.
How can you help someone you think has alcohol poisoning?
DO!
Call 999 for an ambulance
Check that their mouth is clear so that they can breath.
Turn them on their side.
Keep them warm and watch them until the ambulance arrives.
DON’T!
Leave them alone.
Give them black coffee or anything else to drink.
Try to walk them about.
Isle of Man Alcohol Advisory Service, 16 Hope Street, DOUGLAS IM1 1AQ
call us on 627656 Monday to Friday 09.00 am to 05.00 pm - There is a confidential answer phone after hours
