In response to the Scribe article “Alcoholic’s Corner” written by Jonathan Walsh
Once again, we in Health Services are extremely concerned to read Walsh’s “Alcoholic’s Corner” and the information he provided regarding the excessive amounts of alcohol consumed by Big Red and his friends. Excessive drinking can be hazardous to everyone’s health. Students 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 alcohol that can depress nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking), which can result in death. It is common for someone who drinks an excessive amount of alcohol to vomit since alcohol is irritating to stomach. Then there is the danger of choking on the vomit because the student is not conscious and can aspirate the vomit into their lungs, which can result in death. You should also know that a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could continue to rise even after a person stops drinking or has passed out. Alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume that an individual will be fine by sleeping it off.
If you see any student passed out and wrapped in or without a blanket, don’t try to guess the level of drunkenness. Get help immediately – call 4911 or 911. This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY and death can occur.
The following advice can save a life, may be your best friend’s or your very own.
Binge drinking is drinking too much, too fast.
1. Binge drinkers risk more than just a hangover.
2. Binge drinking increases your chance of injury, disease and death.
3. Binge drinking for men is considered 5 or more drinks in a row.
4. Binge drinking for women is considered 4 or more drinks in a row.
5. Alcohol affects men and women differently, women can suffer from alcohol poisoning faster than men.
6. The faster someone drinks, the quicker his or her blood alcohol level rises.
7. The liver can only process about half an ounce of alcohol per hour.
8. How much you weigh, fatigue and food consumption can be factors in how alcohol affects you.
9. You can’t always tell how strong a drink is by its taste.
10. A 2.5 ounce shot of hard liquor; a 12 ounces beer and a 5 ounce glass of wine all contain the same amount of alcohol.
11. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning.
12. Alcohol poisoning is when someone overdoses on alcohol. It is a medical emergency. Get help immediately call 911 or 4911.
13. Signs of alcohol poisoning include not being able to wake up, cold or blue skin, vomiting while asleep and decreased heart rate and breathing. Slowed breathing (less than eight breaths per minute or 10 seconds between breaths) is another sign of alcohol poisoning or they may stop breathing.
14. Alcohol poisoning can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, brain damage, coma or death.
15. While waiting for medical help, keep the person warm and place them on their side to prevent them from choking on vomit.
16. Nearly 50 percent of binge drinkers report doing something they regretted while drunk.
17. Binge drinkers are more likely to drive while drunk, or ride with a driver who has been drinking.
18. Studies show that binge drinkers are more likely to have unsafe sex, which puts them at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
19. Black coffee, cold shower or sleep won’t reverse the effects of drinking too much alcohol.
20. “Passing out” is not the same as sleeping it off.
21. Even after a person’s last drink, his or her blood alcohol level keeps rising.
22. Alcohol levels in a person who has passed out may be dangerously high. He or she could go into a coma and die.
Heath Services advises that there are a lot of ways to have fun without binge drinking. Remember that drinking alcohol, including binge drinking, is illegal for students under 21.
Health Services advises don’t be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who 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.