Treating Alcohol Poisoning/Hangovers

So you fucked up and drank too much huh? Not to worry, you'll be okay, but it will definitely suck for multiple hours depending on how bad it is.

Alcohol poisoning isn't usually fatal, but man will you wish it was if you happen to have a bad case of it. Common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, painful headaches, and fatigue. If it gets to a point where you don't feel like you can handle it, go to the hospital. You have Tricare for several years, your hospital visits are 100% free and they can make you feel better way faster than you can for yourself, but more on that later. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning can last for multiple hours, so don't be alarmed if the symptoms don't dissipate quickly.

How do you treat alcohol poisoning? The main symptom will likely be chills and lots of vomiting as your body tries to expel the alcohol from your system. You'll feel like throwing up even when there is nothing left to throw up. You can try to alleviate this by sitting up in bed and taking small sips of water. You'll likely be exhausted and dehydrated and want to chug water and lay down to rest and replenish the fluids you lost. This seems like the natural remedy, but it is not. Laying down flat can make nausea worse and send you running back to being hunched over the toilet. Stack some pillows and keep yourself propped up. You don't need to be sitting completely upright, but you should be decently propped up. You will naturally want to try to recover the fluids lost while throwing up and be desperate to get water in your system, but do not chug water. Instead, you'll want to take slow, small sips in order to avoid triggering the nausea. You'll need to be very gentle with your body in order to start feeling better.

At what point do you go to the hospital? Well that depends somewhat on your tolerance as well as your symptoms. If at any point you feel like you cannot handle it on your own, go to the hospital. You should also go to the hospital if your symptoms are not at all improving. You shouldn't be throwing up non stop for 4 or 5 hours straight. If you are, it likely doesn't mean you're going to die, but it is an awfully long time to allow yourself to keep going through that ordeal, so it's best to allow professionals help. Have a friend take you to the ER, do NOT drive yourself to the hospital, I cannot stress how stupid an idea that would be. Just don't do it.

What happens when you go to the ER for alcohol poisoning? Don't worry, if you go to the hospital for alcohol poisoning while under the age of 21, you're not going to be sent to jail for it. You may get lectured by the nurses for a minute or two but you won't be in any legal trouble, they'll just treat you for your symptoms. They'll start by placing an IV and they'll likely give you some of those comfy, heated hospital blankets (they're more like sheets but beggars can't be choosers). Through the IV, they'll give you anti nausea medication, painkillers, and then they'll hydrate you. You'll start to feel better pretty quickly but you'll still be there for a couple hours to rest and be monitored. Once you're rested and feeling better, you'll be discharged and you can go home, that's all there is to it. Never be afraid to go to the ER, it's there to help.

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Hangovers are a little bit of a different story. It's not as severe but it is still absolute garbage. There isn't a whole lot you can do except for hydrate and rest. Make sure to get some water and electrolytes back in your system and take it easy when it comes to eating. Soup and saltines are the way to go when trying to eat while hungover. Keep it light and easy while you recover and don't overexert yourself.