Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Overview

Acute alcohol intoxication refers to the negative physical and behavioral reactions after drinking, caused by the toxicity of alcohol itself and its metabolite acetaldehyde. Low doses cause mild sedation and clumsy coordination; higher doses cause slurred speech, ataxia, and vomiting; very high doses can lead to hypoventilation, coma, or death.

Symptoms

• Disordered speech
• Unsteady gait
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Coma

Treatment

Mild cases rest in bed, keep warm, and maintain airway patency to prevent aspiration; severe cases receive fluids to promote metabolism, with arousal and supportive treatment when necessary.

Dietary advice

After becoming sober, eat easily digestible warm soft foods, drink plenty of water, and supplement sugar and B vitamins.