When it comes to going out and having fun, some people price a hangover as part of the cost of having a good time.
However, there's a reason why you get told 'everything in moderation' as too much alcohol can not only ruin your next day, but pose a serious risk to your health.
Alcohol is poisonous, the effect it has on our bodies is kind of the appeal, but drinking too much poison is going to end up in a trip to the hospital.
There are several major differences between having a bad hangover and getting alcohol poisoning, and it's important to know how to spot them because one of them is going to require you to call an ambulance.
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What is a hangover?
We're going to have to be a bit more technical than 'feeling awful after getting drunk', but that's basically the gist of it.
A hangover is the series of physiological and psychological symptoms we experience after imbibing too much alcohol.
The type of hangover you'll get and the severity really depends on what you've been drinking and how much of it you've quaffed.
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Needless to say, it's not a pleasant experience at all and may be enough to make you reconsider that fifth pint on a night out.
Signs of a hangover
When you wake up the next morning you'll likely feel tired and weak, a headache is a very common sign of a hangover and you'll most likely feel dehydrated as well.
Bright lights and loud noises will be your tormentors and your mood may be prone to swinging to and fro.
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In some cases you'll be feeling different sorts of pain, including in your stomach which may make you feel nauseous.
However, as bad as this all is, hangover symptoms eventually pass, and to help them on their way you should hydrate, get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods.
The idea that you can absorb it all with a big greasy burger is a misconception.
Sometimes it's much more serious than a hangover as the signs are that you're in for a longer and more unpleasant ride which could point towards alcohol poisoning.
What is alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning can happen when you drink alcohol faster than your body can process it.
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It can make you seriously unwell and unlike a hangover it can begin to occur while you're still drinking.
While you can normally get thorough a hangover by staying rested and hydrated, alcohol poisoning can require you to take a trip to the hospital, so spotting the signs that differentiate it from a hangover is important.
Signs you have alcohol poisoning
While having an increased heart rate is a sign of both a hangover and alcohol poisoning, the other things to watch out for are more serious symptoms.
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According to the NHS, the signs to watch out for include:
- Confusion
- Slurring words or being unable to speak
- Being unable to coordinate movement, for example, being unable to stand, walk, or pick things up
- Being sick
- Peeing or pooing yourself
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Slow breathing
- Irregular breathing
- Having a seizure or fit
- Loss of consciousness
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How to help someone with alcohol poisoning
If you think you're seeing the signs of alcohol poisoning and not just a bad hangover, then it's crucial that you stay with them as they could stop breathing or choke on their own vomit.
If they're awake then have them sit up, if they're unconscious then put them in the recovery position and check they're breathing.
Giving them water if they're able to swallow things helps, but you should not give them more alcohol or drinks containing caffeine like coffee as that could dehydrate them further.
You should not try to make them sick or put them in a cold bath or shower, trying to keep them warm will help.
If you believe someone has alcohol poisoning then they need to be in hospital so they can be monitored, so call them some help.
Topics: Health, Food And Drink
Joe Harker