Acute alcohol poisoning:
(1) occurs during a binge drinking episode when an excessive amount of alcohol is ingested
(2) involves ingesting the alcohol within a short period of time
(3) usually involves drinking some amount of hard liquor
(4) results in an acute toxic condition which can result in unconsciousness, respiratory depression and death
(5) is usually associated with high blood alcohol concentration
Young adults are at risk for alcohol poisoning, especially when celebrating a 21st birthday by drinking 21 shots of liquor. Often the drinker is inexperienced and unaware of the hazards.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) mixed alcohol and drug use (especially sedatives)
(2) toxic alcohol ingestion (methanol, other)
(3) chronic alcohol abuse (can survive with extreme blood alcohol concentrations)
(4) hypothermia or other environmental exposure
