Being a college student during the pandemic is challenging. As students’ emotional well-being, financial well-being and physical well-being deteriorate, some students are turning to alcohol to cope with the feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, and lack of opportunities to connect socially. Now more than ever, we need to watch out for one another.
Drinking alcohol weakens the body’s immunity to viruses and alters thoughts, judgment, decision-making, and behavior. It may affect an individual’s ability to take the precautions needed to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus or spreading it to others, such as maintaining appropriate physical distance and wearing a mask.
Now is a time that we need to be watching out for each other– not only in regard to contracting COVID-19, but also in staying safe. This includes when someone consumes too much alcohol too quickly and is in danger of an alcohol overdose.
Signs to look for if you think someone may be in trouble:
Mental confusion
Difficulty remaining conscious, or inability to wake up
Vomiting
Seizures
Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
Slow heart rate
Clammy skin
Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex
Extremely low body temperature, bluish skin color, paleness
Do not wait for the person to have all of the symptoms, if you suspect that the individual has alcohol poisoning, call 911. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) continues to rise after someone stops drinking and passes out. It is not safe to think that someone will just sleep it off– the person can die.
While waiting for help to arrive, be prepared to tell the responders as much as you know about the individual including what they drank and other health factors. Do not leave the person alone; keep them sitting up. Help the person who is vomiting by keeping them leaning forward to prevent choking or if they are lying down, roll them on their side.
Please stay alert to take care of your friends and don’t hesitate to get help. Everyone is responding differently to the challenges of the pandemic and we need to be vigilant to support others who are struggling and need help.
View additional alcohol and other drug education resources.