Difference between alcohol poisoning and hangover

People will take alcohol excessively due to very many varied reasons but the whole gist is in order to 'escape raelity', which is true but very temporary.

Piece by: Naomi Waweru
Lifestyle

• Cold showers are a bad idea because with the body temperature already dropping, it will only make matters worse

• It is wrong to eat greasy foods  such as burgers to cure hangover as it causes more problems when the body crashes.

How much alcohol do you consume? a lot of excess?
A beer glass How much alcohol do you consume? a lot of excess?
Image: Twitter

Health-wise, being hungover for a night isn't a concern, even though it often feels severe. Hangovers go away on their own over time. 

Alcohol poisoning, on the other hand, is a severe medical condition that requires medical intervention.

Alcohol poisoning occurs when you consequently drink large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, in turn affecting your breathing, heart rate, body temperature.

It is caused by binge drinking alcohol for hours. It can cause terrible side effects such death or even a coma.

A man who rapidly consumes five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours, or a woman who rapidly consumes at least four alcoholic drinks within two hours can get alcohol poisoning.

The symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
  • Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
  • Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
  • Low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Passing out (unconsciousness) and can't be awakened

It is absolutely normal to go out with friends or alone and have drinks all night and end up being absolutely drunk not to be able to walk.

At the same time it is absolutely normal to take drinks responsibly without getting or getting caught up drunk.

The main difference between alcohol poisoning and a hangover is that alcohol poisoning can be avoided while a hangover is inevitable in the event of excess consumption.

Another difference is that alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention as it can literally lead to death. 

A hangover is basically caused by the intake of too much alcohol which in turn leads to dehydration of the body.

Here are some ways to deal with a hangover:

1. Hydrate With Water or Other Fluids.

2. Get Some Sleep.

3. Get Caffeine From Coffee or Tea: caffeine helps to get over the 'sluggish feeling'.

4. Eat Proper Foods; Veg carbs, fruits.

5. Take Over the Counter Pain Medication e.g Aspirin.

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