Alcohol Intoxication

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Alcohol intoxication, also called drunkenness, is a temporary physical or behavior change after drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is made up of a chemical called ethanol. It is found in beer, wine, liquor, such as vodka and whiskey, or other adult drinks. With alcohol intoxication, the amount of alcohol you have taken is more than what your body can handle. Alcohol intoxication may cause abnormal body changes and you may not be able to think, act, or talk properly.
  
  
• Alcohol intoxication is diagnosed if you have drank alcohol recently and you show certain behavior or mental changes. These changes may include mood swings, poor judgement and trouble in the work setting. Main symptoms of alcohol intoxication must also be present for a diagnosis to be made. These may include slurred speech, movements do not work together correctly, problems staying awake or remembering things, and abnormal fast movement of the eyes. The symptoms must appear during or shortly after drinking alcohol and are not caused by other problems. Treatment for alcohol intoxication includes medicines, intravenous fluids, glucose, vitamin supplements, or respiratory support. Diagnosing and treating alcohol intoxication as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and prevent more serious problems.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Preventing alcohol intoxication:

• Avoid drinking alcohol or limit the amount you drink: Try setting a goal for yourself. You may choose to completely avoid drinking alcohol or just limit the amount you drink.
  
  
• Be patient and keep your hopes up for improvement: Be patient with yourself during and after treatment for alcohol intoxication. Always be the first one to encourage yourself and find ways to boost your self-esteem. Work together with your family and friends and give each other support. This will help during hard times.
  
  
• Learn more about alcohol intoxication: The more you know about alcohol intoxication, the better you will be able to help yourself. Ask your caregiver for good sources of information to read, or work with your caregiver and other people who had alcohol intoxication to help yourself. Learn how you and those close to you will benefit when you stop drinking too much alcohol.
  
  
• Try to avoid stress: Stress may make your alcohol use and intoxication worse and cause other problems later. Teach yourself how to control stress and your unwanted behavior. Ask your caregivers about learning new ways to calm your body and mind. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Wellness hints:

• Learn ways to manage stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and listening to music may help you cope with stressful events. Talk to your caregiver about other ways to manage stress.
  
  
• Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

For support and more information: Having alcohol intoxication may be hard for you and your family. Contact the following for more information:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
  Web Address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.
  

• National Clearinghouse on Drug and Alcohol Information
  Phone: 1-800-7296686
  Web Address: www.health.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot make it to your next meeting with your caregiver.
  
  
• You have new symptoms since the last time you visited your caregiver.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel you cannot cope with your drinking problem.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing, chest pains, or a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• You passed out or had a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your symptoms are coming back or getting worse.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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