Is it possible to give children alcohol?
Definitely not. Alcohol cannot be purchased or consumed under the age of 18. The restriction appeared for a reason. For children whose bodies are still developing, just one serving is 14 g pure alcohol – can be dangerous. And for adults there is no harmless dose either.
What happens if a child drinks alcohol?
Spoiler: nothing good will happen.
Immediately after consumption
Ethanol will affect on the functioning of the central nervous system. Receptors that normally help regulate arousal and activity will no longer function properly. Brain function will slow down. The child will appear sleepy, stagger when walking and, if he can talk, speak incoherently. This is intoxication.
Others may also appear signs:
- frequent urination and dehydration,
- strong feeling of thirst,
- nausea and diarrhea,
- headache and dizziness,
- cardiopalmus,
- increased sensitivity to light and sounds,
- dry mouth and eyes,
- heat,
- general malaise,
- muscle pain,
- shiver,
- irritation of the gastric mucosa,
- dilation of blood vessels, which leads to redness of the skin and decreased blood pressure,
high blood pressure, - restless or poor sleep.
And the next day the child will have a hangover.
If events develop unfavorably after drinking alcohol, the child may experience hypoglycemia. This is a condition in which blood sugar levels drop significantly. This may cause convulsions or fainting.
If there is too much alcohol, the child may fall into a deep sleep or even coma.
For a five year old child who weighs approximately 23 kg, toxic the dose will be half a glass, or 5 sips of vodka, and 5 glasses will lead to a coma.
Respiratory depression, a condition in which breaths become too frequent and shallow, may occur. Sometimes this leads to disruption of normal gas exchange in the lungs.
With regular use
If you give a child or teenager alcohol on a regular basis, it will will affect on the functioning of hormones and the development of vital organs: brain, liver, bones.
The earlier a child starts drinking alcohol, the greater his chances of encountering social problems. problems in future:
- alcoholism in high school,
- prone to violence
- teenage pregnancy,
- a large number of sexual partners, which increases risk of STIs,
- development of depression,
- suicidal thoughts and attempts to commit suicide,
- problems with employment,
- drunk driving,
- drug use.
Will alcohol help calm a child?
Intoxication can actually cause a child to become quiet and fall asleep. But such a vacation will be hazardous to health: alcohol can suppress signals in the brain that control automatic reactions, such as the gag reflex.
There is a risk of choking on vomit and dying from lack of oxygen right in your sleep.
Even if the child survives, an alcohol overdose can cause brain damage.
But alcohol will not help you become calmer. In the moment it will slow down the brain and may make you relax, but this effect will quickly will pass. And it may be replaced by anger, depression or anxiety.
What to do if your child feels sick from alcohol
Call 103 or 112. Do not waitthat the child will sleep through and feel better.
Give your child water to prevent dehydration. And cover him with a blanket: due to poisoning, his body temperature may drop.
For nausea tilt carry the child forward so that he does not choke on vomit. It is better for him to sit on the floor or stand.
If the child has lost consciousness, put him on his side. In this position, he will not choke on vomit.
When the doctor arrives, tell him what the child drank, how much and for how long ago.
What not to do if your child is sick from alcohol
Don’t play doctor. Cold showers, coffee and walking do not eliminate the effects of an overdose. All this, on the contrary, can aggravate situation.
Never leave your child alone and don’t give he should sleep until the doctors help him and he looks sober.
How to calm your baby safely
Most likely, you have already tried everything you can remember. But here are a few advicewhich will help calm the baby:
- Take your baby in your arms and place him on your left side or press him to your chest.
- Swaddle or, conversely, unwrap.
- Play soothing sounds—white noise, a fan, or a heartbeat recording work well.
- Give a bottle or pacifier. But you should not overfeed your child, this can also cause discomfort.
- Hold your baby under your arms and let him jump on the bed.
- Go outside, the child can be placed in a carrier or stroller.
When a child does not calm down, it can be stressful. Remember that you have the right to be upset, scared or angry. The main thing is to realize that a child’s crying does not make you a bad parent.
As soon as your child falls asleep, take some time for yourself. Relax, call someone close to you and share your emotions, take a relaxing bath or just sleep.
Keep the situation under control 🧐