Drinking alcohol can sometimes seem like a common activity among teenagers, even though it’s illegal for anyone under 21 in all 50 states in the U.S. Despite the laws, many teenagers still engage in underage drinking, often without fully understanding the risks involved. Among these risks, binge drinking stands out as particularly dangerous, and in some cases, it can lead to life-threatening situations like alcohol poisoning.
In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of binge drinking, how to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning, and why it’s crucial to seek medical help if your underage friend is in trouble due to drinking. We’ll also cover how “Good Samaritan” laws work to protect you and your friend from legal trouble when you seek help in these situations.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period. For many young people, this might mean having several drinks within a couple of hours, enough to raise their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. For example, it may take about three drinks for girls and three to five drinks for boys to reach this level in two hours.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 90% of alcohol consumed by underage drinkers comes from binge drinking. This habit is not only linked to immediate dangers like accidents, assaults, and alcohol poisoning but can also lead to long-term health issues and alcohol dependence later in life.
What are the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially deadly consequence of consuming too much alcohol in a short amount of time. It’s essential to know the signs so that you can act quickly if your friend is in danger. The Mayo Clinic lists several symptoms that indicate alcohol poisoning, including:
- Confusion: The person may be disoriented and unable to understand what’s happening around them.
- Vomiting: Frequent vomiting can occur as the body tries to rid itself of the excess alcohol.
- Seizures: Alcohol can disrupt the brain’s electrical activity, leading to seizures.
- Slow or Irregular Breathing: The person may take fewer than eight breaths a minute or have gaps of more than 10 seconds between breaths.
- Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature): The person may shiver or their skin may feel cold to the touch.
- Pale or Blue Skin: The skin might take on a bluish or pale tint, especially around the lips and fingertips, due to a lack of oxygen.
- Inability to Stay Awake or Loss of Consciousness: The person may become unresponsive or lose consciousness altogether.
Alcohol poisoning can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or death if not treated promptly.
What to Do if Your Friend Has Alcohol Poisoning
If you suspect your friend is suffering from alcohol poisoning, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:
- Call 911 Immediately: Don’t wait to see if your friend will “sleep it off.” Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency, and the sooner you get help, the better their chances of recovery.
- Keep Them Upright: If possible, keep your friend sitting up and try to keep them awake. If they’re lying down, make sure to turn their head to the side to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Don’t Give Them Coffee: It’s a common myth that coffee can help sober someone up, but it actually dehydrates the body further. Instead, try to keep them hydrated with water.
- Stay with Your Friend: Don’t leave them alone. Stay with your friend until help arrives, and provide the medical personnel with as much information as possible about how much alcohol they consumed and over what period.
Will You Get in Trouble for Calling 911?
Many young people hesitate to call for help in these situations because they’re afraid of getting in trouble with the law. However, most states in the U.S. have medical amnesty or “Good Samaritan” laws designed to protect you and your friend in these situations.
These laws generally provide limited immunity from charges related to underage drinking. For example, if you call 911 because your friend is experiencing alcohol poisoning, neither you nor your friend is likely to be charged with being a minor in possession (MIP) of alcohol. The primary concern of these laws is to ensure that people get the medical help they need without fear of legal repercussions.
What If Your Friend Has a Drinking Problem?
If you’re concerned that your friend’s drinking goes beyond the occasional party and may indicate a more serious problem, it’s important to encourage them to seek help. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, and the earlier it’s addressed, the better.
You can talk to your friend about reaching out to a healthcare provider who can offer support and treatment options. In many cases, healthcare professionals are more concerned with helping your friend recover than with involving law enforcement. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a confidential helpline that can guide you and your friend to the appropriate resources.
The Decline in Underage Drinking
It’s worth noting that underage drinking has been on the decline in recent years, thanks in part to better education about the risks of alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fewer teenagers are drinking and binge drinking than in previous decades.
However, binge drinking and alcohol poisoning still happen, and it’s important to be prepared if you find yourself in a situation where your friend’s health is at risk.
Final Thoughts: Putting Safety First
While it’s natural to worry about the consequences of calling 911 when your underage friend is drunk, remember that their safety should be your top priority. Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Thanks to medical amnesty laws, you can call for help without fear of getting into trouble for underage drinking.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to take action. A trip to the emergency room is far better than the alternative. Your friend’s life could depend on it.