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Alcohol, Drug, or Poison Ingestion: Care Instructions

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Overview

A person can become very sick, or die, from swallowing or using alcohol, drugs, or poisons.

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person drinks a large amount of alcohol. Alcohol can stop nerve signals that control breathing. It can also stop the gag reflex that prevents choking. Alcohol poisoning is serious. It can lead to brain damage or death if it's not treated right away.

Drugs can be used by accident or on purpose. They can be swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. Drugs include over-the-counter medicine (such as aspirin or acetaminophen) and prescription medicine. They also include vitamins and supplements. And they include illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

And poisons are all around us. They include household cleaners, cosmetics, houseplants, and garden chemicals.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Alcohol problems

  • Talk to your doctor or counselor about programs that can help you stop using alcohol.
  • Plan ways to avoid being tempted to drink.
    • Get rid of all alcohol in your home.
    • Avoid places where you tend to drink.
    • Stay away from places or events that offer alcohol.
    • Stay away from people who drink a lot.

Drug problems

  • Talk to your doctor about programs that can help you stop using drugs.
  • Get rid of any drugs you might be tempted to misuse.
  • Learn how to say no when other people use drugs.
  • Don't spend time with people who use drugs.

Poison prevention

  • Keep products in the containers they came in. Keep them with the original labels.
  • Be careful when you use cleaning products, paints, solvents, and pesticides. Read labels before use. Use a fan to move strong odors and fumes out of your home.
  • Do not mix cleaning products. Try to use nontoxic cleaners. These include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

When should you call for help?

Poison control centers, hospitals, or your doctor can give immediate advice in the case of a poisoning. The United States National Poison Control Hotline phone number is 1-800-222-1222. Have the poison container with you so you can give complete information to the poison control center, such as what the poison or substance is, how much was taken and when. Do not try to make the person vomit.

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you or someone else:

  • Is thinking seriously of suicide or has recently tried suicide.
  • Has used or currently uses alcohol or drugs and is very confused or can't stay awake.
  • Has passed out (lost consciousness).
  • Has severe trouble breathing.
  • Is having a seizure.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

  • Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
  • Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if you or someone else:

  • Has new symptoms, or is not acting normally.
  • If the overdose or ingestion was related to a suicide attempt.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.
  • You need help with drug or alcohol problems.
  • You have problems with depression or other mental health issues.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter A385 in the search box to learn more about "Alcohol, Drug, or Poison Ingestion: Care Instructions".

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.