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Home > Health Topics > Alcohol Information > Alcohol Overdose

 

Alcohol Overdose

Call 911 immediately for help if you observe ANY of the following:

  • person is unconscious (passed out) or semi-conscious and cannot be awakened
     

  • vomiting while "sleeping" or passed out and not waking up after vomiting
     

  • rate of respiration is slow (eight breaths per minute) or irregular (ten seconds or more between breaths)
     

  • cold, clammy, pale or bluish color
     

  • person is disoriented to time and place (doesn't know where she/he is or who you are
     

  • Remember to turn and keep the person on his or her side.

Classroom and Out-of-Classroom Warning Signs: Substance Misuse/Abuse Problems.

Adapted from the University of Missouri-Columbia

Warning Signs:

  • Cutting classes/dropping a class/coming to class late
     

  • Frequently arrives late for work
     

  • Makes up excuses for poor performance and/or missing classes
     

  • Frequently requests extensions/frequently turns in work late or not at all
     

  • Dramatic decline in academic performance
     

  • Coming to class with a hangover or high
     

  • Changes in personality/shifts in moods or emotions
     

  • Exhibits an attitude of not caring (extreme boredom or negativism)
     

  • Brags about their alcohol or other drug use; conversations are frequently about using
     

  • Loses friends because of drinking or other drug use
     

  • Cannot seem to have fun without drinking or using other drugs
     

  • Loss of motivation or energy
     

  • Experiences frequent health problems (e.g., illness, injury)
     

  • Spends most of his or her money on drugs or alcohol
     

  • Frequently passes out or suffers blackouts while drinking
     

  • Changes in his or her appearance
     

  • Frequent problems with law enforcement or University authorities (e.g., UMPD, residence hall staff)

Related Links
Alcohol Presentations For U of MN Students
Where To Go For Help With A Drinking Problem
Electronic Check-Up To Go (E-CHUG) - Assess Your Alcohol Use
 
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