The Michigan Liquor Control Commission Reminds Consumers about the Dangers and Side Effects of Binge Drinking

Contact: Andrea Miller 517.322.5898

Agency: Liquor Control Commission

(November 22, 2011) Just in time for the what many consider to be the "biggest bar night of the year," the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) is reminding bar and party goers about the dangers and side effects of binge drinking.

                                                                                                                                                                             

Binge drinking occurs when a man consumes five or more drinks or a woman consumes four or more drinks in a short period of time. Because women metabolize alcohol less efficiently than men and usually have less body mass, they become more intoxicated with a comparable number of drinks. (One drink is generally calculated as a 12 oz. bottle of beer or wine cooler, a 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof distilled spirits.)

 

"People who are not big drinkers, or abusive drinkers, who go out and celebrate this way are the ones that will get sick or are at most risk of alcohol poisoning," said Andy Deloney, Chairman of the MLCC. "The MLCC wants to make sure our citizens are aware of the dangers of binge drinking and the effects that it has on the body." 

 

Alcohol poisoning occurs when the alcohol content in a person's blood increases to the point where it slows down the normal functioning of the brain and how it communicates with other parts of the body.

 

For example, a fatal dose of alcohol can stop the brain's ability to control involuntary actions, such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). With the absence of these vital functions, a drunken person who passes out can choke on their vomit and die.

 

"Did you know that a person's blood-alcohol content can continue to rise even while passed out? Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol continues to circulate through the body. Therefore, it is always dangerous to assume that when a drunk person passes out, he or she can just sleep it off," said Deloney. "While some people laugh at the behavior of others who are drunk, or think it's even funnier when they pass out, the bottom line is that alcohol poisoning can kill you." 

 

Signs of alcohol poisoning: A person experiencing alcohol poisoning may display the following signs and symptoms:

 

·         Mental confusion, slurred speech, or unconsciousness.

·         Inability to be woken up.

·         Absence of reflexes.

·         Continuous or excessive vomiting.

·         Seizures.

·         Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing.

·         Low body temperature, paleness, or bluish skin color.

·         Unpredictable behavior.

 

What you can do to help: If you believe that a person may be suffering from alcohol poisoning, you can help in the following ways:

 

·         Know and recognize the danger signs and symptoms.

·         Take action immediately.

·         Be aware that a person who has passed out could die.

·         Don't leave the person unattended.

·         Try to keep the person awake.

·         Sit the person up, or roll them on his/her side to prevent choking on vomit.

·         Call 911. Don't attempt to treat the person yourself.

·         Monitor the person's pulse and breathing until the ambulance arrives.

·         If trained, perform CPR if necessary.

·         Remember, a person with alcohol poisoning just can't sleep it off! 

 

"We want all Michigan citizens and visitors to have a happy holiday season, so please drink responsibly," said Deloney.

 

For more information about the MLCC, please visit www.michigan.gov/lcc.  Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/MILiquorControl, "Like" us on Facebook or find us on YouTube www.youtube.com/michiganLARA.

 

For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara.  Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/michiganLARA, "Like" us on Facebook or find us on YouTube www.youtube.com/michiganLARA.