Alcohol poisoning occurs when the body has more alcohol than the liver can process. Because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, "over-dosing" alcohol can cause severe consequences such as coma and death.

Signs:

• Unconsciousness (person cannot be aroused/made aware of surroundings)
• No or slow, shallow breathing
• Slow pulse rate
• Skin that is cold, clammy, and/or pale or blue in color

What to do:

• Call 911 immediately. Do NOT leave the person alone.
• Place the person on his/her side with the knees bent to prevent choking.
• Loosen the clothing around the neck.
• Check for anything that might obstruct breathing.
• If the person stops breathing and has no pulse, perform CPR until help arrives.

Drinking Games - Pleasure or Peril?

Drinking games sometimes encourage consuming a large amount of alcohol and quickly. Often, people who experience alcohol poisoning are influenced by their peers to drink "the most" or the "fastest". Know your limit and stick to it. If you drink, do so in moderation, and drink slowly. Eat when you drink. Alternate an alcoholic beverage with non-alcoholic beverage. Don't mix alcohol with other drugs. Designate a driver. NO alcohol if you are under 21.

Myth: If I throw up, I can drink more. If you vomit, your body is telling you that you cannot handle anymore alcohol. Vomiting does not "make room" for more. The blood alcohol content is already high, and the body needs TIME to process it.

Fact: The majority of students at ECU do NOT drink excessively! Most students who drink do so responsibly. The "party" school reputation is only that - a reputation. Students who drink responsibly are more likely to do well academically.

Problems with alcohol and other drugs?

Call 328-6661 to schedule an appointment with a substance abuse counselor on campus.