How do you know if someone is just passed out or has alcohol poisoning?

Question

after drinking too much alcohol. is there anyway to tell if they are just passed out or actually have been poisoned

Answer 1

autopsy results

Answer 2

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning:

Vomiting

Passed out

Difficult to awaken

Slow, shallow breathing

Actions to take if you suspect alcohol poisoning:

There are steps you should take if you encounter someone who could be suffering from acute alcohol poisoning. It is dangerous to assume a person will be fine by “just sleeping it off.”

First, determine if the person is at all attentive. Are they unconscious? Can they be awakened? Try and call their name. Pinch their skin—they should have a reaction. (Remember, alcohol is a depressant that numbs the nerves so pinching the skin will help you gauge how far along in the “overdose” process they are.)

Turn the person on their side and do not leave them alone. Placing them on their side will keep the airway open should they vomit.

Check skin color and temperature. If their skin is pale or bluish, or cold or clammy, call 911! They are not getting enough oxygen.

Check the person's breathing. If it is irregular with a few breaths and then nothing for a while, call 911. If their breathing is too slow or shallow—less than 10 breaths a minute—this is another signal to get help.

There are no absolutes and these are just some of the potential signs of acute alcohol poisoning. A person may have one, or all of these signs. There is no guarantee that if a person is breathing 11 times a minute they will be fine, or if they are breathing 8 times a minute they will die. If you cannot wake the person up at all, it is a serious situation. If you are at all concerned, don't hesitate to get help

Depending upon how much you drink, how quickly you drink, and what else is in your stomach, it may take from about 30-90 minutes after you stop drinking before you reach your highest level of intoxication. This occurs whether the individual is conscious or passed out, thus it is critical that someone who is semi-conscious or unconscious be constantly evaluated.

What if it is a false alarm?

In the end it's all about friendship. You may not want to act because you're afraid when your friend wakes up he or she will be mad at you. But at least your friend will wake up! And how upset can anyone really be when they realize you did it out of concern and friendship? There is only one response you can trust at that moment—“better safe than sorry.” The drinker may risk a policy sanction and maybe some embarrassment, but it will pass. None of these consequences compare to losing a life. Don't let fear about how your friend will respond tomorrow prevent you from getting help when needed. Make sure you and your friend have the next day to talk it over. It may be the greatest thing you could ever do in the name of friendship!

Answer 3

yeah i also heard that throwing up and passing out are early stages of alcohol poisoning.

Answer 4

  If they have a pulse just passed out no pulse poisoned.

Answer 5

You cannot tell, only a doctor can by using blood alcohol tests. When in doubt, call for professional help, Your friends life may be at stake.

Answer 6

You do understand, being drunk, buzzed, or passed out, its all the same thing, being poisoned by alcohol.

I am guessing you are referring to the point that someone may die, but its all poisoning.

Answer 7

You are obviously not 21. That's illegal. Just let all your friends die.

Answer 8

If they are breathing very shallow and turning blue would be an excellent sign that they have alcohol poisoning!

Answer 9

I was always told that actually passing out means a person has had alcohol poisoning.... I could be wrong though.

Answer 10

id like to know too

Answer 11

Well if poisoned they would throw up for sure...but no there is not a real great way to tell.  I was poisoned by alcohol and it took a lot.  I had 39 shots and tried to break the upside down cherry vodka record twice.  for me it was a blessing in disguise.  now I can only have one or two drinks and I'm done.  lol  good luck!

Answer 12

just wake them up and ask them