Alcohol Dangers and Emergencies
Alcohol Dangers and Emergencies
April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month. The yearly observance sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) aims to educate the public about the dangers of excessive drinking and alcohol dependence.
At Post Oak ER, the emergency room set at the heart of Houston, Texas, we’re happy to provide you with the emergency care that you need during those crucial hours. We’re fast, have no long wait times, and are open 24/7 including holidays.
Excessive Drinking is a Grand Scale Problem in America
Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) highlights just how dangerous drinking too much can be.
- There are approximately 261 alcohol-related deaths every day
- 95,000 alcohol-related deaths happen annually in the United States
- 10,500 people die every year in drunk driving-related accidents
- 47,500 people die every year from long-term health failures due to excessive drinking
Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Drinking
When we speak of excessive drinking, we refer to any of the following:
Binge Drinking – Four or more drinks in one occasion for women or five or more drinks in one event for men
Heavy Drinking – 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men
We should note that most people who drink excessively are not alcoholics or alcohol-dependent. But this doesn’t mean that their drinking won’t affect their health.
Short-Term Health Risks
Drinking too much immediately affects our cognitive and coordination capabilities, increasing our risk of accidents and engaging in risky behaviors.
These are some of the most common short-term health risks related to excessive drinking:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Drownings
- Burns
- Violence, including fights
- Suicide
- Alcohol poisoning – This is a medical emergency
- Miscarriage and stillbirth among pregnant women
Long-Term Health Risks of Excessive Drinking
Years of excessive drinking increases your risk of developing chronic diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure
- Stroke
- Liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Certain types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon
- Cognitive problems, including dementia and poor school performance
- Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
Alcohol-Related Emergencies – Warning Signs and What to Do
Alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning, can be life-threatening. If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning, call 911 for help.
Signs of an Alcohol Emergency
- You are unable to wake the person
- The person struggles to stay awake for more than 2-3 minutes
- The individual vomits while passed out
- The person doesn’t wake up after they’ve vomited – This can cause them to choke on their vomit
- You notice the person has slow, irregular breathing
- The individual has a weak or slow pulse, or on the contrary, they have a very rapid pulse
- Skin discoloration or bluish lips
- Skin feels cold or clammy to the touch
What to Do During an Alcohol Emergency
- Call 911
- Stay with the person until help arrives
- Turn the person on their side to prevent them from choking if they vomit
Remember, at Post Oak ER, we are available 24/7 to handle all emergencies. If you suspect someone may have alcohol poisoning, don’t delay coming to our emergency room immediately.
You should never compromise when it comes to healthcare decisions for you and your loved ones. You always deserve convenient, quality care. This is why Post Oak ER is the best choice if you live in the area.
We are always available to answer your questions regarding our services. And during a medical emergency, we urge you to use our online check-in so our staff has a better understanding of your particular medical emergency even before your arrival.
The emergency staff at Post Oak ER is available 24/7. If you or someone you know experience signs of alcohol poisoning, please don’t hesitate to visit us.
At Post Oak Care ER, we offer free medical screening in case you are not sure whether or not it’s a medical emergency. Knowing the difference could help save a life. We’re safe, fast, and open 24/7.
We Are Here to Help
Our expert doctors and caring staff are here 24/7 to provide a helping hand with all your medical emergency needs. We’re located at 5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056.
At Post Oak ER, we believe everyone should have access to quality medical emergency care near them in a comfortable and convenient location that offers advanced technology and skilled medical professionals.
Where to go in Case of an Emergency?
At Post Oak ER, our doors remain open to provide care for you and your family.
Looking for the best quality 24-hour Emergency Room services?
If an emergency strikes, you have a choice! At Post Oak ER we’re open during all weekends, and holidays & offer FREE Medical Screening! There is no need to risk your health or your life. Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately at 5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056
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You may call us, check in online, or walk in as we are always open.
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Here you will find experienced, effective, and caring emergency physicians as well as the best on-site ER technology for everything from minor to major injuries and conditions.
- CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
- Certified Full-Service Diagnostic Laboratory
- Specialized Pediatrics ER Care Facilities
