An individual is suffering from alcohol intoxication if the amount of alcohol consumed results to behavioral or physical irregularities. It simply means that the mental and physical abilities of the individual are impaired. Aside from the mental and physical impairment, the level of alcohol in the blood might be increased.
How to care for alcohol intoxication at home
Most individuals with mild alcohol intoxication can be managed at home with the following measures.
- Move the individual away from all sources of alcohol. If in a bar or party, he/she should be taken home or somewhere else. If in the house, get rid of all the alcohol.
- Provide the individual with a safe environment.
- Check if only ethanol was ingested. Determine if the individual has taken any medications, non-ethanol forms of alcohol or prohibited drugs.
- Check if the individual is easy to arouse if spoken to or with a slight shake of a shoulder.
- Ensure that the condition of the individual is not brought about by an underlying condition or injury. Ask about other conditions and check for any indications of a head injury or other form of trauma.
Ask about other conditions and check for any indications of a head injury or other form of trauma. - Ask someone to accompany the individual to ensure that he/she is improving and seek medical care if needed. In some cases, there is a need to bring the individual to a healthcare facility.
- Remember that there are no available medications that can hasten the sobering process.
When to seek medical care
In case these home measures are not effective, if you find it uncomfortable to monitor an intoxicated individual or there are doubts on the condition of the individua, you should bring him/her to the nearest emergency department.
Additionally, the individual might require medical care so that any chronic health issue that is not related to alcohol intoxication can be dealt with. These conditions include epilepsy, diabetes or kidney failure.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on alcohol intoxication is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to manage an individual suspected with alcohol intoxication, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Surrey, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.