The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Access to Excess

January 19, 2008

Alcohol poisoning a serious business

Anyone who has had too much to drink and has become unconscious or cannot be roused is at risk of dying, according to information provided by the Mayo Clinic. If you consume too much alcohol, it can directly impact your body’s central nervous system by slowing your breathing, heart rate and gag reflex. This can lead to choking, coma or death.

The Mayo Clinic “Tools for healthier lives” Web site (found here) sights these signs and symptoms for alcohol poisoning:

- Confusion or stupor

- Vomiting

- Seizures

- Slow or irregular breathing

- Blue-tinged skin or pale skin

- Low body temperature

- Unconsciousness

“It’s not necessary for all symptoms to be present before seeking help,” according to the Web site.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Access to Excess
  • Access to Excess logo PART 3: Good business gone bad With 45 years of being in the bar business under his belt, Ron Doty can count on one hand the number of times he’s faced a lawsuit.

    January 21, 2008 6 Photos 2 Links

  • Access to Excess logo PART 2: From downtown to detox Being young and intoxicated is a growing trend. Overall, it’s a small group that is binge drinking by the time they get to college. But statistics, cited both by counselor Michael McGinnis and Minnesota State University Health Services counselors, show that group is growing.

    January 20, 2008 7 Photos 4 Links

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: "One drunk short of a riot" Former downtown bar owner Ron Doty talks about downtown drinking.

    January 20, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link

  • Access to Excess logo PART 1: Barely standing, but served Part one of the series examines the subculture of risky drinking in Mankato.

    January 20, 2008 4 Photos 2 Links

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: Done for now Former downtown Mankato bar owner Ron Doty talks about leaving the bar business.

    January 19, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: Loss of respect Former downtown Mankato bar owner Ron Doty talks about changing attitudes toward drinking.

    January 19, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: Tainted Alcohol abuse counselor Michael McGinnis talks about the fact that fine people can make poor decisions.

    January 19, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: "It's the great social equalizer" Alcohol abuse counselor Michael McGinnis talks about why some kids make bad decisions.

    January 19, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: Who's drinking what Alcohol abuse counselor Michael McGinnis talks about who is using alcohol and how it is being used.

    January 19, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link

  • Access to Excess logo VIDEO: "We're a college town" Alcohol abuse counselor Michael McGinnis talks about drinking in Mankato.

    January 19, 2008 1 Photo 1 Link