Some people laugh at the behavior of others who are drunk. Some think it's even funnier when they pass out. But there is nothing funny about the aspiration of vomit leading to asphyxiation or the poisoning of the respiratory center in the brain, both of which can result in death. 

Do you know about the dangers of alcohol poisoning? When should you seek professional help for a friend? Sadly enough, too many college students say they wish they would have sought medical treatment for a friend. Many end up feeling responsible for alcohol-related tragedies that could have easily been prevented. 

Common myths about sobering up include drinking black coffee, taking a cold bath or shower, sleeping it off, or walking it off. But these are just myths, and they don't work. The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time--something you may not have if you are suffering from alcohol poisoning. And many different factors affect the level of intoxication of an individual, so it's difficult to gauge exactly how much is too much. 

If a person has had "one too many" and passes out, monitor his or her breathing to make sure it's normal. If breathing is irregular and/or the person appears to be in a coma, or has a purplish skin tone, try to wake him or her by shaking or gently poking. If there is no response, call for medical attention immediately. Be aware that if you do not seek medical attention when the situation necessitates it, you could be held legally liable. If you have any doubt, call for help! 

To prevent choking on vomit by someone who is intoxicated, make sure the person is on his or her side. 

 Much care must be executed with the aggressive drunk who wants to fight everyone. 

1. Approach him or herthrough the use ofreason. 
2. Attempt to get the person to leave and go home with someone he knows.
3. If the person continues to be combative and is hurting others, call the police to avoid further damage and to protect the individual as well.

What Happens to Your Body When You Get Alcohol Poisoning? 

Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. 

It is common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication. 

You should also know that a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off. 

Beginning Signs: 

• Disorientation 
• Lack of awareness of surroundings 
• Impaired coordination 
• Rambling, losing train of thought 
• Unable to track simple conversation 
• Confusion 
• Slurred Speech 
• Loss of balance 
• Impaired memory 
• Eyes – glassy or unfocused 

Critical Signs for Alcohol Poisoning: 

• Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be awakened (or it’s very difficult) 
• Vomiting (especially while sleeping or passed out) 
• Doesn’t wake up after vomiting 
• Seizures 
• Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute) 
• Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths) 
• Hypothermia (low body temperature): cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin 
• Injury and intoxication, especially head injury 
• Under the influence of other drugs along with alcohol 

What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning? 

Know the danger signals 

• Do not wait for all symptoms to be present 
• Be aware that a person who has passed out may die 
• If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness 

What Can Happen to Someone With Alcohol Poisoning That Goes Untreated? 

• Victim chokes on his or her own vomit (and drown on own stomach contents) 
• Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops 
• Heart beats irregularly or stops 
• Hypothermia (low body temperature) 
• Hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar) leads to seizures 
• Untreated severe dehydration from vomiting can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death 

Even if the victim lives, an alcohol overdose can lead to irreversible brain damage. Rapid binge drinking (which often happens on a bet or a dare) is especially dangerous because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious. 

Don't be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Don't worry that your friend may become angry or embarrassed--remember, you cared enough to help. Always be safe, not sorry. 

How to Handle an Intoxicated Person 

When you are dealing with someone who is overly intoxicated, you are dealing with a potentially life-threatening situation. 

Here Are a Few Guidelines That May Help: 

• Do not try to handle the situation by yourself. Enlist some sober help. 
• Only time will eliminate the effects of alcohol. The body metabolizes approximately a half ounce of alcohol an hour. Unfortunately, you get drunk faster than you get sober. Nothing will significantly increase this rate of metabolism--not coffee or other stimulants--nothing except time. 

If You Are Dealing With a Person Who is Unconscious: 

• Try to wake the person, if they will not awaken, call for medical help immediately. 
• If a person can be awakened and is coherent, lay the person on their side with knees bent and one arm extended. Check on this person regularly. 
• If you have any doubts about the person’s safety or functioning, call for medical help immediately. 

If You Are Dealing With a Person Who is Conscious: 

• Stay calm. Don't communicate anxiety or aggression 
• Consider that you are dealing with a person who is "drug-effected" (exaggerated emotions, impaired thinking, and increased aggression) 
• Before you approach or touch the person, explain what you intend to do in a clear, firm, and reassuring manner. 
• Try to keep the person still. Do not allow this person to drive or walk anywhere unattended. 
• Do no administer any food, drink, or medication. 

Things to Remember in an Emergency Situation: 

• Sometimes others can be resistant to calling for help. An alcohol overdose is a medical emergency--no matter what the person or their friends say. If someone says, "They always do this" or "You'll ruin the party," it doesn't mean there isn't an emergency. 
• Get help. Don't handle this alone. 
• Stay calm and keep your head. Keep control of the situation; remember, they are the one with the impaired thinking. Do what you think is necessary. If they are violent or out of control, call the 911. When in doubt, it is always best to call 911 and have the paramedics check your friend to be sure they will be safe. 
• Wait for help to come to you! Whenever possible, do not transport your friend to the hospital alone or even with others in a private vehicle. They may require help only medical personnel can provide while you are transporting them (seizure, cardiac or respiratory arrest, choking), you may get stuck in traffic, or they may become violent or out of control while in the vehicle. 
• Demonstrate concerns for the person's well-being, talk in a calm, non-judgmental voice in order to reassure them. 
• Encourage the person to lie down (on their side to prevent accidental death by choking should they vomit). Stay with your friend; do not leave them alone or with other intoxicated persons 
• Know your resources and use them. There are services to help you with what can be a very scary situation. 
• Remember to take care of yourself. This is a high stress situation. Afterward, you can debrief the situation by calling and making an appointment to sort out what happened, how you feel or to discuss your concerns about the drinking habits of a friend. 
• Follow up; do talk to the person after they are sober to express your concern about their over-drinking. 

There is no way to sober up quickly. It takes time for a person to metabolize the alcohol in the bloodstream. A cold shower, black coffee, oxygen, or exercise will have little effect. A general rule of thumb is that it takes as many hours to sober up as the number of drinks that have been ingested.