Alcohol Addiction: Risks and Sudden Death Explained

Alcohol intoxication

Dr.
Su: Hello! My brother has had a long-term drinking habit for about 10 years.
For the past year, he has been drinking half a case of beer or a small bottle of sorghum liquor every day, and he would take alcohol with sleeping pills before going to bed, claiming that this is the only way he can sleep.
Recently, he experienced hand tremors when he wasn't drinking, and there were signs of swelling in the fourth toe of his foot.
The swollen toe was not painful.
Could this be related to his alcohol consumption? Furthermore, half a month after these symptoms appeared, he unfortunately passed away from asphyxiation at his residence.
Is this death related to alcohol intoxication? My brother was always physically strong and showed no signs of hypertension or liver cirrhosis.
Also, he did not commit suicide, as he had not taken sleeping pills before his passing; he only consumed sorghum liquor.
The next day, he was found dead from asphyxiation without any external injuries.
Doctor, can alcohol intoxication lead to sudden death by asphyxiation? How much alcohol would it take to cause death? Thank you!

Dingdang Niao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/12

Dr. Su Zongwei reply Psychiatry

My brother has had a long-term drinking habit for about 10 years.
For the past year, he has been drinking half a case of beer or a small bottle of liquor every day, and he would take sleeping pills with alcohol before going to bed, claiming that this is the only way he can fall asleep.
Recently, when he was not drinking, he experienced hand tremors, which are one of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Additionally, he noticed swelling in his fourth toe, which was not painful.
Could this be related to his alcohol consumption? (Alcohol consumption can lead to neuropathy, causing numbness and lack of pain sensation.
As for the swollen toe, other internal and external causes need to be ruled out, and it could also be a physiological change caused by alcohol.) After these symptoms appeared, he tragically passed away from asphyxiation in his residence half a month later.
Is this death related to alcohol intoxication? My brother was always strong and showed no signs of hypertension or liver cirrhosis.
Furthermore, he did not commit suicide, as he had not taken sleeping pills before his death, only consumed liquor.
The next day, he was found dead from asphyxiation with no external injuries.
Doctor, can alcohol intoxication lead to sudden death by asphyxiation? How much alcohol would it take to cause death? (High doses of alcohol can suppress the respiratory center, but the exact dosage varies by individual and there are no relevant human research data.)

Reply Date: 2006/05/12

More Info

Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can lead to a myriad of health issues, including sudden death. In your brother's case, his long-term alcohol consumption, combined with the use of sleeping pills, raises several concerns regarding his health and the potential risks associated with his lifestyle.

Firstly, the symptoms you described—such as hand tremors and swelling of the toe—are indicative of alcohol withdrawal and possible peripheral neuropathy, which can occur in individuals who have been consuming alcohol heavily for an extended period. The tremors are a classic sign of withdrawal, which can occur when a person who is dependent on alcohol suddenly reduces or stops their intake. The swelling in the toe may not be painful, but it could be related to various factors, including alcohol-related liver disease, gout, or even a vascular issue, which can be exacerbated by alcohol use.

Regarding your brother's tragic passing, it is indeed possible for alcohol-related issues to lead to sudden death, even in seemingly healthy individuals. Alcohol can depress the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory failure, especially when combined with other depressants such as sleeping pills. This combination can significantly increase the risk of accidental overdose, which may not always present with obvious signs of distress prior to death.
The exact amount of alcohol that can lead to death varies widely among individuals due to factors such as body weight, tolerance, and overall health. There is no universal threshold, but heavy drinking—defined as consuming more than four drinks on a single occasion for men and more than three for women—can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. Chronic alcohol use can also lead to long-term health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological damage, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of sudden death.

In your brother's case, it is crucial to understand that alcohol addiction is a complex disease that affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. The combination of alcohol and sedatives can create a dangerous situation, as both substances can impair judgment and motor skills, leading to accidents or unintentional harm.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is essential to seek professional help. Treatment options include counseling, support groups, and medical interventions that can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. It is also important to address any co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which often accompany substance use disorders.

In conclusion, your brother's situation highlights the severe risks associated with alcohol addiction, particularly when combined with other substances. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of his death without a thorough medical examination, it is clear that his long-term alcohol use and the potential for withdrawal symptoms played a significant role in his health decline. If you have further questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.

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