Alcohol poisoning occurs when very large amounts of alcohol are drunk over a short period of time. Alcohol is broken down in the body by the liver, but the liver can only break down a limited amount at any given time.
When large amounts are drunk quickly, the alcohol concentration in the body rapidly rises to toxic levels. This can produce symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, vomiting, irregular breathing, low body temperature, and unconsciousness.
There is also a danger that the person may choke on their own vomit. Severe poisoning may cause seizures, a heart attack (myocardial infarction), brain damage, and breathing stoppage (respiratory arrest), and may be life- threatening.
Alcohol poisoning requires urgent medical treatment
