Nearly 1 out of every 5 teenagers has experienced blackout spells where they could not remember what happened the previous evening because of binge drinking.

Alcohol poisoning, a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose, is the most serious consequence of binge drinking.When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the brain is deprived of oxygen.The struggle to deal with an overdose of alcohol and lack of oxygen will eventually cause the brain to shut down the involuntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate.If a person is known to have consumed large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time, symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:• Vomiting• Unconsciousness• Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin• Slow or irregular breathingIf this occurs, call the 911 emergency center immediately.

<I>Need to talk: If you have questions about this topic, call the Butler County Drug and Alcohol Program at 724-284-5114 or the county’s drug tip line at 866-363-3784.</I>