How to Treat Alcohol Poisoning: Signs, Causes & Treatment

Alcohol poisoning, also referred to as alcohol overdose, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when a person consumes large amounts of alcohol in a short timeframe. Recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning and knowing how to respond can save a life. This guide will explain what alcohol poisoning is, the symptoms to watch for, causes and risk factors, and available treatment options.

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What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is the result of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol (ethanol) faster than the body can process it. The liver is the primary organ responsible for breaking down alcohol, but it can only metabolize a limited amount each hour—generally about one standard drink per hour. When a person consumes more alcohol than their liver can handle, toxic levels can build up in the bloodstream, leading to severe impairment of the brain and other organ systems.

The severity of alcohol poisoning can range from mild to life-threatening. If untreated, alcohol poisoning may lead to choking, seizures, respiratory depression, coma or death. Because of these risks, immediate medical help is critical when alcohol poisoning is suspected.

What Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Constitutes as Alcohol Poisoning?

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures how much alcohol is circulating in a person’s bloodstream. In the United States, the legal driving limit is a BAC of 0.08%. However, alcohol poisoning typically occurs at significantly higher BAC levels. Although it varies from person to person, a BAC above 0.30% can lead to severe complications, including unconsciousness and death.

• BAC 0.08–0.12%: Impaired judgment, reduced self-control, slower reaction times
• BAC 0.13–0.20%: Slurred speech, blurred vision, difficulty walking, blackouts
• BAC 0.21–0.29%: Confusion, significant motor impairment, possible loss of consciousness
• BAC 0.30% and above: Coma, suppressed breathing, risk of death

Each individual’s reaction to alcohol varies based on factors like body weight, metabolism, hydration, age, and overall health. However, consistently reaching a BAC of 0.30% or higher places someone at a very high risk of alcohol poisoning.

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Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

If you suspect that someone has consumed a dangerous quantity of alcohol, watch for these warning signs:

• Extreme confusion or disorientation: The person may not know where they are or who they are with.
• Loss of coordination and balance: Stumbling, difficulty standing or walking, or an inability to maintain posture.
• Unconsciousness or semi-consciousness: Inability to wake the person or only partial awakening.
• Slow or irregular breathing: Fewer than eight breaths per minute or significantly spaced-out breaths.
• Bluish or pale skin: Especially noticeable around the lips or fingertips, indicating lack of oxygen.
• Vomiting: The body’s natural reaction to rid itself of toxins, which can also be dangerous if the person is too impaired to prevent choking.
• Seizures or convulsions: Can occur if alcohol disrupts the brain’s electrical activity.

Anyone exhibiting these signs needs immediate medical attention, as these symptoms can escalate quickly without intervention.

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Causes of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning usually results from binge drinking, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period—generally four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within about two hours. However, binge drinking is not the only cause. Other potential causes include:

• Mixing alcohol with drugs: Combining alcohol with certain medications or illicit drugs can amplify alcohol’s effects.
• Accidental ingestion: Children and adults who do not realize they are consuming alcohol—often in situations where alcohol is mistaken for another substance—may inadvertently poison themselves.
• High tolerance miscalculations: Individuals with a high tolerance might consume more than their bodies can handle, mistakenly believing they can “hold” their liquor.

Factors such as chronic alcohol use, metabolic differences, and underlying health issues can also make someone more susceptible to alcohol poisoning.

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How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last?

The duration of alcohol poisoning largely depends on how much alcohol was consumed and how quickly the body can eliminate it. Typically, the liver can metabolize about one standard drink (roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol) per hour. If someone has drunk a large quantity, it can take six hours or more to fully clear the bloodstream of the excess alcohol.

Even as the person’s BAC gradually drops, they can still experience after-effects or complications of alcohol poisoning, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or altered mental status. Consequently, close monitoring is crucial for several hours after the initial signs appear. In a hospital setting, medical professionals will continue to observe the patient’s vital signs until they are stable and out of immediate danger.

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Can Alcohol Poisoning Be Fatal?

Yes, alcohol poisoning can be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly. High levels of alcohol in the bloodstream can depress critical life-sustaining functions, including breathing and gag reflexes, potentially causing:

• Respiratory failure: Excessive alcohol can slow or stop breathing.
• Aspiration and choking: A person who vomits while unconscious or extremely impaired can choke on their vomit if the airway is blocked.
• Cardiac arrest: Alcohol poisoning can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or low blood pressure, resulting in cardiac arrest.
• Irreversible brain damage: Prolonged oxygen deprivation or extremely low blood sugar can damage the brain, sometimes permanently.

Prompt recognition, calling emergency services, and beginning first-aid measures may significantly reduce the risk of fatal outcomes.

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Steps to Take If Someone Shows Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Time is a critical factor when dealing with alcohol poisoning. If you suspect someone might be experiencing alcohol poisoning, take the following steps immediately:

1. Call for Emergency Help (911): Do not assume the person will “sleep it off.” The safest course of action is to get professional medical help as soon as possible.
2. Do Not Leave Them Alone: Stay with the individual while waiting for medical personnel. Monitor their breathing, responsiveness, and level of consciousness.
3. Help Them Sit Up or Lie on Their Side: If they are conscious, encourage them to sit up. If they are unconscious or cannot remain upright, place them on their side in the recovery position. This helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of choking if vomiting occurs.
4. Do Not Force Them to Vomit: Inducing vomiting in someone who is very intoxicated can increase the risk of choking. Let medical professionals handle this if needed.
5. Keep Them Warm: Alcohol can lower body temperature. Use blankets or jackets to maintain the person’s body heat until help arrives.
6. Be Honest With Medical Personnel: Provide healthcare workers with accurate information about how much alcohol was consumed and whether any drugs or medications were taken.

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Treatment Options for Alcohol Poisoning

Treatment for alcohol poisoning depends on the severity of the symptoms and typically involves supportive care to stabilize the person until their body metabolizes the excess alcohol. While mild cases might be managed with simple at-home measures (under the guidance of a medical professional), moderate to severe cases require emergency medical intervention.

Treating Alcohol Poisoning at Home

Warning: Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and cannot always be safely treated at home. If someone is showing severe symptoms such as unconsciousness, slowed breathing, or seizures, you must call 911 immediately.

However, if a person has mild to moderate symptoms and is still conscious and stable, some supportive measures you can provide while waiting for professional advice or help include:

• Ensure safety and monitor vitals: Keep them under close watch. If they become less responsive or their breathing slows, call emergency services.
• Hydration: Encourage the individual to sip water or a rehydration drink, if they are fully conscious and can swallow without gagging or choking.
• Recovery position: If they lie down, make sure they are on their side and not on their back to prevent choking.

Again, do not hesitate to call a healthcare provider or seek immediate help if their condition worsens. Alcohol poisoning can escalate quickly.

Alcohol Poisoning Treatment in Hospitals

When someone arrives at a hospital with suspected alcohol poisoning, medical staff will:

1. Assess Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs): Ensuring the person can breathe properly and that their heart rate and blood pressure are stable is the first priority.
2. Provide IV Fluids: Intravenous fluids help rehydrate and restore electrolyte and blood glucose imbalances. Dehydration is common with alcohol poisoning.
3. Administer Oxygen: If breathing is impaired, supplemental oxygen may be provided. In severe cases, the person may need intubation and mechanical ventilation to support their breathing.
4. Monitor Vital Signs and Blood Chemistry: Healthcare professionals will track blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels to detect or prevent complications like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
5. Manage Vomiting and Aspiration Risks: If the patient is unconscious or has a depressed gag reflex, staff will take steps to ensure they do not choke on vomit.

Hospital treatment continues until the patient’s BAC has dropped to a safe level and their vital signs have stabilized. Some individuals may require extended hospital care if they develop complications or if comorbidities like liver disease are present.

Medications for Alcohol Poisoning Treatment

While there is no “antidote” that instantly reverses alcohol poisoning, certain medications can be used to manage complications:

• IV Glucose (Dextrose): Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, so dextrose infusions help prevent hypoglycemia.
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Chronic heavy drinkers often have thiamine deficiencies, increasing the risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a serious brain disorder). Thiamine is frequently administered to prevent or mitigate neurological damage.
• Electrolytes: Along with IV fluids, electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride help restore chemical balance.

In cases where alcohol intoxication is accompanied by drug use, other medications may be necessary to counteract overdoses of specific substances.

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Find Help for Alcohol Addiction and Abuse

Experiencing alcohol poisoning or witnessing a loved one endure this life-threatening condition can be a sobering wake-up call. If heavy drinking or binge drinking has become a pattern, it may be time to seek professional support for alcohol addiction or abuse.

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive treatment programs that address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. Recovery is a journey that goes beyond merely stopping alcohol use; it involves building coping strategies, receiving medical and mental health support, and developing a lifestyle that promotes long-term health and sobriety.

Whether you’re concerned about your own relationship with alcohol or worried about someone else, help is available. Our professional team at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides:

• Medical Detox and Inpatient Programs: Safe, supervised environments where withdrawal symptoms and medical complications can be carefully monitored and managed.
• Therapy and Counseling: Individual therapy, group sessions, and family counseling to address the root causes of addiction.
• Aftercare Support: Resources like sober living, ongoing counseling, and relapse prevention programs that help maintain sobriety after treatment.

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol misuse, reach out for help today. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Contact The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper to learn more about available treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.