Alcohol is a substance that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, consuming too much alcohol over a period of time can lead to an alcohol overdose. Knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to respond can help you and others stay safer.

Alcohol can be a part of many people’s lives and may play a role in cultural and family traditions. Many people enjoy drinking alcohol, and most people drink in a safe way. It’s also okay to decide not to drink.

Alcohol is found in wine, beer and liquors as well as some household products, like mouthwash and hand sanitizer.

Drinking alcohol is never risk-free, but there are things you can do to keep your drinking at the safest possible levels. This is called low-risk drinking.

In fact, alcohol use disorder is the most common substance use disorder in B.C., but it often goes unrecognized and untreated.

Learn the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to respond. You could even save a life.

To drink alcohol in the safest way possible:

• Learn more about Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.
• Use the blood alcohol calculator to familiarize yourself with the effects of drinking on your blood alcohol content.
• Take the alcohol sense quiz.
• Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about your drinking.

If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away.