RISE Blog | Why You Can't Puke & Rally: Blacking out vs. Alcohol Poisoning

By: Makayla Klie, Peer Education President
February 3rd, 2023

Defining The Difference: Blacking Out

While there is overlap between blacking out, and alcohol poisoning, there are some key differences that can help us define when we need to get help involved. Blacking out, also known as “Alcohol Induced Amnesia” occurs after binge drinking, which looks differently for all of us. Check out the BAC chart on our AOD webpage to find out how many drinks are considered binge drinking for you. Typically, it's determined that 5 drinks for men and 4 drinks for women within a 2 hour range is binge drinking. Blacking out may inhibit executive function including speech or memory. Individuals who black out may have large gaps in memory, or not remember anything at all after excessive drinking. However, outwardly, while they are intoxicated they may appear otherwise fine or “just drunk”. There can be long term consequences of blacking out. Individuals who frequently black out may experience permanent memory loss for extended periods of time and may experience difficulty forming new memories. 

Defining the Difference: Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning occurs under the same circumstances as blacking out. When an individual excessively drinks, there is a point in which the alcohol in our system exceeds our personal “max” and becomes toxic to our bodies. Often when this occurs, the individual who is suffering from alcohol poisoning will fall unconscious, but other symptoms include irregular breathing, clammy skin (cold sweating) and excessive vomiting. This is why the phrase “Puke and Rally” can be incredibly dangerous. Excessive vomiting is often the first sign that your body is far past its limit of alcohol. If you continue to drink after vomiting, you may be pushing yourself towards alcohol poisoning. The most important difference between alcohol poisoning and blacking out is that when your body suffers poisoning, normal functions like breathing, regulating your heartbeat, and controlling your temperature become impossible, which can be fatal. It is notable that a common symptom of alcohol poisoning is losing your gag reflex. 

How Do I Help Someone that is Experiencing Alcohol Poisoning?

If you notice that someone has been excessively drinking and has suddenly fallen asleep, it is important that you try to wake them up to make sure they have not passed out. If you are able to wake them up, stay with them and try to keep them conscious to make sure that their symptoms do not become worse. If you are not able to wake them up or they seem unresponsive, call 911 immediately. If someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, they will require medical attention to ensure they remain safe. Their BAC can continue to rise even after they have stopped drinking and fallen unconscious. This is what can cause fatality. Once you have called 911, turn the individual onto their side, one ear towards the ground. Because they may lose their gag reflex, this can prevent them from choking if they begin to vomit. Prepare yourself to provide as much information to emergency responders as you can. Things to note: how long the person has been unconscious, what time they started drinking, and how many drinks they have consumed. Each of these questions can help emergency responders determine what medical action is needed. 

Can I Get in Trouble for Being Drunk and Calling 911?

If you notice someone has fallen unconscious and are concerned that first responders will reprimand you for underage drinking, it is important that you know they will not. It is a law in Texas that if you call 911 in the interest of seeking medical help for another person, you can not receive a criminal offense for underage possession or consumption of alcohol. Senate Bill 1331 provides this protection and is linked below. Remember that first responders will prioritize the life of the person in danger, they will only require your cooperation and explanation of what is wrong with the individual. 

Note: If you feel that you are struggling with over-consumption of alcohol or alcoholism, contact Raider Restart with RISE. We provide free support for students who feel they are partaking in excessive amounts of high risk behavior. We can also provide you with off campus resources. 

Sources:

• https://www.transformationstreatment.center/resources/addiction-articles/blackouts-and-alcohol-poisoning/
•  https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/single-episode-binge-drinking-linked-gut-leakage-and-immune-system-effects
• Senate Bill 1331: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/82R/billtext/pdf/SB01331F.pdf#navpanes=0

 

 

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