The state of being drunk can be described by different levels of blood alcohol. The same amount of alcohol will cause different level of intoxication for different people, because everyone has their own unique tolerance of alcohol. Larger amount of alcohol or a lower tolerance level can cause severe toxication.
The classical grouping by blood alcohol level is the following.
1 Slight Drunkenness (BAC of 0.5 to 1.5 percent)
Breath smells of alcohol, flushed face, teary and red eyes. Pulse and breathing is quicker, blood pressure rises. Profuse sweating and increased urine secretion. Euphoria, extensive talkativeness, wild gestures.
At 1.2 - 1.5 BAC: Decreased awareness of situations, uncoordinated movements, loss of balance and spatial awareness. Prolonged reaction time. Psychologically, natural inhibitions disappear, there is a lack of sense of danger. Speech becomes slurred.
2 Drunkenness (BAC of 1.5 to 2.5 percent - excitement period)
Pale face. The drunken person is upset, frequently aggressive, sometimes frantic. Staggering, loss of control of bigger movements. Speech becomes hesitant. Increased risk of injuries, caused by falling over, accidents, fights. The most frequent consequence of alcohol poisoning is the injuries, which are often life-threatening.
Pulse and speed of breathing decrease. After vomiting, the drunk person may swallow the content of the stomach into his/her lungs, which can cause severe issues later or may cause immediate choking. The drunk person is depressed, at around BAC 2.5 indifference and exhaustion appear.
3 Alcohol toxication (BAC of 2.5 to 4 percent, coma period)
Gradual loss of consciousness, the poisoned person is somnolent, can hardly be wakened, is severely confused. At BAC 3.5-4 percent, the stage of coma sets in, the patient loses consciousness, is unresponsive to stimuli and has depressed reflexes.
What to do with drunken or alcohol poisoned people?
First and foremost, shut down any further opportunity of drinking alcohol. This will be difficult even if the person is “only” slightly drunk, as drunken people will vehemently oppose to this. If their behaviour is threatening or aggressive, ask for help (ambulance or police).
In case of severe cases or coma, call an ambulance! The health care personnel of the ambulance have surely great experience in tackling aggression. Do not forget to pay attention to your own safety!
If someone loses consciousness, examine and help them based on the first aid rules before the ambulance gets there. Check breathing and circulation, look for clues of injuries. If necessary, try resuscitation, in other cases set them into stable recovery position.
