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Tag: alcohol poisoning

  • Tainted Alcohol To Blame For 25 Deaths In Costa Rica

    Tainted Alcohol To Blame For 25 Deaths In Costa Rica

    The death toll from tainted alcohol keeps rising in Costa Rica, with dozens more hospitalized.

    Authorities in the Central American country of Costa Rica have seized thousands of containers of alcohol and shut down some establishments that serve liquor as the death toll from methanol poisoning has climbed this summer to 25. 

    The country’s Health Ministry said in a statement that 59 people have been hospitalized in connection with the tainted alcohol; 25 of them have died. Though Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, the Health Ministry said that nearly everyone who has been affected has been a resident of Costa Rica. 

    “The Costa Rica Tourism Institute reaffirms that no tourists have been affected by adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica, and that visitor safety is priority. The local authorities continue to monitor the situation and work to understand and remain transparent about the investigation,” Costa Rica Tourism Board representative Thalia Guest told USA Today. 

    A Tourist’s Account

    However, one American man who had recently left Costa Rica believes he was affected by the poisoning. California resident Walker Barnes, 25, told NBC News that he drank rum the night before leaving Costa Rica. When he returned home he was hospitalized for extreme pain and aches.

    At first his doctors were confused about what the condition could be, but when Barnes shared reports about the poisoned alcohol with his medical team, they agreed that it sounded like he was dealing with methanol poisoning. 

    Methanol is a type of alcohol not intended for consumption. It’s said that people will add methanol to liquor in order to increase the volume of the drink. It’s believed to be the substance poisoning people in Costa Rica. 

    In Costa Rica, most of the poisonings have been reported in San José, the capital, and in Alajuela, another city. The victims have ranged in age from 32 to 72, and have included 19 men and six women. Six brands of alcohol are known to have been affected. They are Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Aguardiente Estrella, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka, and Aguardiente Molotov. 

    Proceed With Caution

    In July, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica urged people traveling to the country to proceed with caution when drinking, especially from the brands that have been connected with poisonings. 

    “The Embassy strongly recommends all persons avoid consuming alcohol from these brands,” the Embassy said in a statement. “The Government of Costa Rica is investigating the situation and the Embassy remains in contact Costa Rica authorities regarding the ongoing investigation.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Actor Kristoff St. John Found Dead Of Suspected Alcohol Poisoning

    Actor Kristoff St. John Found Dead Of Suspected Alcohol Poisoning

    “He was able to overcome so many things, but the death of Julian was just a breaking point for him in a lot of ways,” said one source. 

    On Monday February 4th, prolific actor Kristoff St. John was found dead, and alcohol poisoning is suspected. The official cause of death is deferred pending further investigation, USA Today reports.

    For almost 30 years Kristoff St. John starred in the soap opera, The Young and the Restless, as Neil Winters. Beloved by friends, family, and coworkers, St. John’s life had been struck by tragedy when in November 2014 his 24-year-old son, Julian St. John died by suicide while undergoing treatment at a mental health facility.

    At age 18, Julian had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that comes with a 40% risk of a suicide attempt, with males being at higher risk than females.

    After Julian’s suicide, Kristoff St. John and his ex-wife Mia St. John, a respected boxer and Julian’s mother, sued the mental health facility where their son died for negligence, and won an out-of-court settlement.

    According to TMZ, in winter 2017, Kristoff St. John reportedly attempted suicide close to the time of the third anniversary of his son’s death. St. John was placed on a 72-hour suicide watch after threatening to shoot himself.

    On January 21, St. John retweeted what now seems to be a terrible harbinger, a message that read: ‘Grieving the loss of a child is a process. It begins on the day your child passes, and ends the day the parent joins them.’ 

    “He was able to overcome so many things, but the death of Julian was just a breaking point for him in a lot of ways,” Stephanie Sloane, editorial director of Soap Opera Digest, said of St. John, to PEOPLE.

    St. John’s ex-wife, immediately following the announcement of Kristoff St. John’s death, blamed the mental health facility. She wrote on Twitter in a since-deleted tweet:

    ‘THAT HOSPITAL KILLED OUR SON THEN MY HUSBAND. THATS WHAT HAPPENED! THEY KILLED MY FAMILY.’

    After the actor’s death was made public, friends and coworkers flooded social media with words of grief and fond remembrance of a man who seemed full of kindness and love. Actress Vivica A. Fox called St. John “a true gentleman.”

    PEOPLE recounted St. John’s 2013 Soap Opera Digest interview, where he movingly discussed his son’s struggle.

    “My son, Julian, has been suffering from a drug addiction for some years now and has also been diagnosed schizophrenic. Unfortunately, he doesn’t take his medication, which disallows a daily health routine,” he said. “Quite often, people who suffer from bipolar disorder self-medicate because they refused to take their pharmaceutical drugs, so we have had out issues. Poor boy felt that the local park was more of a home than his mother’s home or mine, based on the relationship he has with a certain female, and I can’t condone that relationship. I never thought my son would be the kid at the gas station with the gas can trying to get a couple of dollars out of somebody for a bogus story, and this is where Julian is.”

    St. John discussed his son’s artistic abilities proudly, ending with, “There is hope.”

    Kristoff St. John won two Daytime Emmys for his role in The Young and the Restless, playing an ambitious executive at a cosmetics company. Coworker and close friend Shemar Moore told PEOPLE, “This is not how he’s going to be remembered in his last days. He’s going to be remembered for his journey, for how much he loved his children — Paris, Lola, and Julian, his son who had a hard time and took his life.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Alcohol Poisoning

    Alcohol Poisoning

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW:Alcohol poisoning usually occurs with binge drinking. It is a very serious and potentially fatal condition. We review symptoms and what to do in an emergency here.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

    Alcohol poisoning, or “alcohol overdose”, is a serious and sometimes fatal consequence of drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. When there is too much alcohol in the bloodstream, your system shuts down. Involuntary actions like

    • Breathing
    • Heart rate
    • Temperature control

    and the gag reflex that prevents choking are impaired.When someone is poisoned by alcohol, s/he will eventually stop breathing or choke on their own vomit…leading to coma or death. Even if you survive the poisoning, you can suffer long-lasting brain damage.

    What Causes Alcohol Poisoning?

    One of the mains causes of alcohol poisoning is binge drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of heavy drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dl or above. This happens when:

    Men consume 5 or more drinks in 2 hours or less.

    Women consume 4 or more drinks in 2 hour or less.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, on average there are six alcohol poisoning deaths every day or approximately 2,200 a year. Drinking on empty stomach increases your risk for poisoning, as the rate of alcohol absorption is faster. Mixing drugs and alcohol also increases the risk of poisoning. Butcertain groups of people also have an increased risk of alcohol poisoning. These include:

    Young people: Teens and adolescents are more likely to binge drink and are not experienced enough to know when to stop. Drinking games also put this group at risk.

    Females: Women are usually smaller, have more body fat, and lower total body water content than men. Also, their ability to metabolize alcohol can be affected by menstrual cycle and higher levels of estrogen.

    People in poor health: People with poor health are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol.

    People with low height to weight: In this group of people, alcohol can enter the bloodstream faster.

    Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

    Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning might save someone’s life.The usual symptoms include:

    • Bluish skin color or paleness
    • Dulled senses
    • Impaired coordination
    • Low body temperature
    • Mental confusion
    • Seizures
    • Slow heart rate
    • Slow or irregular breathing
    • Sweaty skin
    • Unconsciousness or difficulty staying conscious
    • Vomiting

    Keep in mind that a person experiencing alcohol poisoning may not have all of the symptoms listed here, and don’t forget that alcohol poisoning can lead to long- lasting brain damage or death.

    Always seek medical help when someone passes out.

    Alcohol Poisoning BAC

    The risk of alcohol poisoning is measured by Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). BAC measures the percent of alcohol in your bloodstream, breath or urine. It expresses the weight of ethanol in grams, in 100 milliliters of blood, or 210 liters of breath. In most states, a BAC of .08 is considered legally intoxicated.

    As BAC increases, the risk of alcohol poisoning increases as well.

    Age, weight, gender, metabolism, and alcohol tolerance are factors that can determine how quickly the body processes alcohol and the amount it can tolerate. That is why two people who have consumed the same amount of alcohol may have different BAC levels.

    You can use tools like this to estimate your BAC.

    As BAC increases, the risk of alcohol poisoning increases as well.

    Alcohol Poisoning Levels

    There are predictable stages of alcohol poisoning, buthow fast an individual will reach each stage and what symptoms will it manifest, depends on metabolism and the factors listed above in the article.

    An unconscious person who has been drinking is at risk of dying.

    When to Call 911

    Deciding if someone has an alcohol poisoning can be tricky. Err on the side of caution instead of risking serious consequences.

    If you suspect that someone has alcoholpoisoning, call 911 or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate medical assistance. Also, be prepared to give relevant information about the kind of alcohol and the amount the person drank.

    So, what can you do while waiting for help to come?

    Check their breathing.

    If conscious, try keeping them awake.

    If possible, try keeping them hydrated.

    Keep them in a sitting position.The person’s gag reflex may be impaired so it is important to try keeping the victim in a sitting position in order to avoid choking on his/her vomit and breathing problems.If, however the person lies down turn his/her head on the side to prevent choking. Never lie them on the back.

    Never assume that the person will get better if it get some sleep. Be aware that even if someone has stopped drinking, there is risk of alcohol poisoning for some time afterward. That is because the heart keeps pumping and alcohol continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate in the body.
    Act immediately!

    Don’t hesitate to call 911 or the Poison Control Center.

    Poisoning or Hangover?

    There is a big difference between alcohol poisoning and a hangover. A hangover occurs when you drink too much and the body responds. It’s like a big, “OUCH!” or a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms to remind you not to do it again. Typically, hangovers after a single night’s drinking go away on their own…but alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical assistance.

    Alcohol poisoning is dangerously drinking too much. Binge drinking 4 or more drinks for women or 5 or more drinks for men in a short period of time typically leads to high blood alcohol concentration. Then, alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex. Large doses of alcohol will eventually stop these functions.

    As a general rule, the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of a problem.

    Q: How can you tell the difference between a hangover and poisoning?

    A: Count your drinks. What tips the balance from drinking that produces impairment to drinking that puts one’s life in jeopardy varies among individuals. Age, sensitivity to alcohol, gender, speed of drinking, medications you are taking, and amount of food eaten can all be factors.

    How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last?

    Acute poisoning effects can last for as long as you continue drinking, and can be fatal if left untreated. Full recovery may take days, or even weeks, depending on the severity of the case. After being released from hospital, some people can take up to a month to start feeling normal again.

    In general, the effects of alcohol are usually felt within 10 minutes and then peak at maximum an hour after consumption. If you binge drink and start experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms your BAC will continue increasing for 30 – 40 minutes after the last drink. That is because the liver is still processing the alcohol.

    But alcohol poisoning can last from hours to several days.The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is time…something you may not have if you are suffering from an alcohol overdose.

    How to Treat Alcohol Poisoning

    Call 911 when you suspect alcohol poisoning. The condition requires advanced treatment techniques. This person is in a life or death situation and needs immediate medical care.Possible interventions can include:

    • Give activated charcoal.
    • Give oxygen therapy or use a respirator.
    • Give vitamins and glucose to prevent further complications.
    • Monitor vital signs.
    • Prevent breathing or choking.
    • Prevent dehydration.
    • Pump the stomach to minimize the body’s alcohol absorption.

    Again, alcohol poisoning is typically treated in an emergency department. Prompt medical treatment is very important in cases of overdose, and doctors have to recognize and treat the dangerous condition. Do not attempt to wake a person up, give them a shower, or have them drink coffee.

    Call 911 in any case of suspected alcohol poisoning.

    As you’re waiting for medical help, you can:

    • Monitor airway and breathing.If you know CPR, use it as needed.
    • Stay with the person at all times.
    • Turn the person on the side to prevent inhaling of vomit.
    • Watch for seizures.

    Treatment and observation will last until the vital signs return to normal. Full recovery may take days, or even weeks, depending on the severity of the case. During this period, the person may feel depressed, loss of appetite, discomfort, and memory problems.

    Can Alcohol Poisoning Kill You?

    Yes, alcohol poisoning can be fatal.Very high levels of alcohol in the body can shutdown critical areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, resulting in death. The following may happen if alcohol poisoning is ignored and/or goes untreated:

    • Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops.
    • Dehydration can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.
    • Low body temperature or hypothermia.
    • Too little blood sugar can lead to seizures.
    • The heart beats irregularly or stops.
    • You can chokes on your own vomit.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 6 people die of alcohol poisoning each day in the U.S. Alcohol poisoning deaths affect people of all ages but are most common among middle-aged adults and men. For example, 3 of 4 of those (76%) of alcohol poisoning deaths are among adults ages 35 to 64. Likewise, about 76% of those who die from alcohol poisoning are men.

    How to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning

    The best way to prevent alcohol poisoning is to drink moderately. Smart drinking can also help prevent problems. Take responsibility and educate yourself about the dangers it encompasses. Implement the following strategies to reduce the chances of overdose:

    • Don’t accept drinks from stranger or from suspicious sources.
    • Don’t indulge in rapid binge drinking.
    • Eat before you drink.
    • Never mix alcohol with drugs or medication.
    • Stay hydrated. Drink water in between alcohol.
    • Stop drinking altogether.

    If you crave alcohol and can’t stop drinking, you may need help. Give us a call to learn about rehab.

    Don’t Let Alcohol Poisoning Happen

    You can prevent alcohol poisoning 100%. Only you can keep your alcohol intake within the safe limits. Monitor what you drink how much you drink and how fast you drink.Know your tolerance and avoid extremes.

    If you or a loved one exhibits risky drinking habits, it can be a cry for help. There is always a way out. Recovery is possible. Seeking treatment is sometimes the best option because it helps people to learn to say, “No,” and get their life in control.

    Don’t wait, ask for help today.

    Our compassionate hotline operators are waiting for your call.

    If you need help, feel free to call us. OR, leave us a message in the comments section below. We love to hear from our readers. And we try to answer all real-life comments with a personal and prompt reply.

    Reference Sources: University of Oklahoma Department of Medicine: Stages of acute alcoholic influence/ intoxication
    Addiction Blog: How long does alcohol last in the body?
    Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Alcohol Poisoning
    Mayo Clinic: Hangovers
    College Drinking: Facts About Alcohol Overdose (or Alcohol Poisoning)
    NIAAA Facts and Brochures: Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose
    Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Alcohol Poisoning or Overdose
    Princeton University: First Aider’s Guide to Alcohol

     

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Alcohol Responsible For 5% Of Deaths Worldwide

    Alcohol Responsible For 5% Of Deaths Worldwide

    A new WHO report found that alcohol-related deaths continue to be a major issue, particularly among men.

    More than 5% of worldwide deaths can be attributed to alcohol, according to a new report. 

    The data was part of a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) that is released every four years, according to the Guardian.

    The report found that of the approximately 3 million alcohol-related deaths per year, about 2.3 million in 2016 were men. It also noted that nearly 29% of deaths caused by alcohol were the result of injuries, including driving incidents and suicides. 

    A standout finding of the report was the toll that alcohol takes on younger generations. For example, the report found that 13.5% of deaths in those in their 20s were linked to alcohol somehow, while alcohol was held responsible for 7.2% of premature deaths in all. 

    Despite the fact that worldwide alcohol-related deaths have decreased from 5.9% to 5.3% since 2012, Dr. Vladimir Poznyak, a WHO alcohol-control expert who was involved in the report, tells the Guardian that the results are not something to take lightly.

    “Unfortunately, the implementation of the most effective policy options is lagging behind the magnitude of the problems,” he said. “Governments need to do more to meet the global targets and to reduce the burden of alcohol on societies; this is clear, and this action is either absent or not sufficient in most of the countries of the world.” 

    Additionally, Poznyak added that the numbers in the report were likely an underestimate.

    “Alcohol use starts in many countries well before [age] 15, so that is why we can say that our estimates are quite conservative, because we don’t count at all the impact of alcohol consumption on kids below 15,” he told the Guardian.

    On a more positive note, the report also detailed the fact that in some regions, such as Europe and the Americas, the number of drinkers is decreasing.

    In Europe, consumption per person has decreased from 10.9 liters of pure alcohol in 2012 to 9.6 in 2016. Even so, Europe remains the region where the most alcohol is consumed overall.

    Rajiv Jalan, professor of hepatology at University College London, tells the Guardian that one of the main concerns in the UK is the age of consumption. The report found that 44% of 15 to 19-year-olds in the region are considered “active drinkers.”

    Jalan added that it is very concerning that alcohol accounts for 10% of deaths in Europe. 

    “The biggest problem that we have is that, certainly in Europe and if you focus more on the UK, there isn’t really a strategy which is all-encompassing in order to address this death rate. All the different elements that are known to work have not yet been implemented.”

    View the original article at thefix.com