Alcohol Dangers and Emergencies
April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month. The yearly observance sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) aims to educate the public about the dangers of excessive drinking and alcohol dependence.
At Supreme Care ER the finest emergency room in Cypress Texas, we’re happy to provide you with the emergency care that you need in the event of a medical emergency.
Excessive Drinking is a Grand Scale Problem in America
Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) highlights just how dangerous drinking too much can be.
- There are approximately 261 alcohol-related deaths every day
- 95,000 alcohol-related deaths happen annually in the United States
- 10,500 people die every year in drunk driving-related accidents
- 47,500 people die every year from long-term health failures due to excessive drinking
Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Drinking
When we speak of excessive drinking, we refer to any of the following:
Binge Drinking – Four or more drinks in one occasion for women or five or more drinks in one event for men
Heavy Drinking – 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men
We should note that most people who drink excessively are not alcoholics or alcohol-dependent. But this doesn’t mean that their drinking won’t affect their health.
Short-Term Health Risks
Drinking too much immediately affects our cognitive and coordination capabilities, increasing our risk of accidents and engaging in risky behaviors.
These are some of the most common short-term health risks related to excessive drinking:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Drownings
- Burns
- Violence, including fights
- Suicide
- Alcohol poisoning – This is a medical emergency
- Miscarriage and stillbirth among pregnant women
Long-Term Health Risks of Excessive Drinking
Years of excessive drinking increases your risk of developing chronic diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure
- Stroke
- Liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Certain types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon
- Cognitive problems, including dementia and poor school performance
- Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
Alcohol-Related Emergencies -Warning Signs and What to Do
Alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning, can be life-threatening. If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning, call 911 for help.
Signs of an Alcohol Emergency
- You are unable to wake the person
- The person struggles to stay awake for more than 2-3 minutes
- The individual vomits while passed out
- The person doesn’t wake up after they’ve vomited – This can cause them to choke on their vomit
- You notice the person has slow, irregular breathing
- The individual has a weak or slow pulse, or on the contrary, they have a very rapid pulse
- Skin discoloration or bluish lips
- Skin feels cold or clammy to the touch
What to Do During an Alcohol Emergency
- Call 911
- Stay with the person until help arrives
- Turn the person on their side to prevent them from choking if they vomit
Remember, at Supreme Care ER, we are available 24/7 to handle all emergencies. If you suspect someone may have alcohol poisoning, don’t delay coming to our emergency room immediately.
You should never compromise when it comes to healthcare decisions for you and your loved ones. You always deserve convenient, quality care. This is why Supreme Care ER is the best choice if you live in the Cypress, Texas area.
We are always available to answer your questions regarding our services. And during a medical emergency, we urge you to use our online check-in so our staff has a better understanding of your particular medical emergency even before your arrival.
At Supreme Care ER in Houston, the finest emergency room in Cypress, Texas, we’re happy to provide you with the emergency care you need in the event of a medical emergency. We are conveniently located at 9530 Jones Road, Houston, Texas, 77065. We’re fast and remain open 24 hours year-round.
