Being drunk and having alcohol poisoning are not the same, even though both involve consuming alcohol. Being drunk happens when alcohol affects the brain and nervous system, leading to impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, slurred speech, and loss of coordination.
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that occurs when a very high amount of alcohol overwhelms the body’s ability to function. It can cause symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, dangerously slow or irregular breathing, unconsciousness, and low body temperature.
Understanding the difference between the two and how to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning is essential to provide life-saving help. Knowing when to act and seeking emergency help immediately can prevent serious complications and save a life.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. It can be fatal and lead to coma, cardiac arrest, and even brain death. It is most often caused by binge drinking (drinking high amounts of alcohol in short periods of time), most often by accident in social settings [1].
For example, some of the highest rates of alcohol poisoning occur on college campuses where university students may participate in drinking games or rapid alcohol consumption without realizing how quickly blood alcohol levels can become dangerous.
When the level of alcohol in the bloodstream becomes too high, it raises our Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). This can shut down regions of the brain, such as the brainstem, that control functions such as breathing and heart rate.
A BAC of 0.30% to 0.40% is the range where alcohol poisoning occurs [2]:
- 0.30%-0.35%: Severe mental disorientation, loss of motor skills, vomiting, slowed or labored breathing.
- 0.35%-0.40%: Shallow or stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, hypothermia, high risk of coma.
- 0.40%+: Often leads to coma or death without quick medical intervention or emergency services.
Is It The Same As Being Drunk?
While being drunk can be dangerous, especially when driving or making decisions, it is usually temporary, and the body can recover as the alcohol is metabolized. Unlike being drunk, alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Alcohol poisoning shuts down essential body functions, which is why it should never be treated as just being really drunk [3].
| Being Drunk | Alcohol Poisoning |
| Caused by moderate to high alcohol intake | Caused by extremely high alcohol intake, often in a short period of time |
| Impaired judgement and decision-making | Severe suppression of brain activity and bodily functions |
| Slurred speech, poor coordination | Loss of consciousness or complete unresponsiveness |
| Can usually walk or stand even if unsteady | Cannot walk or stand, and struggles to stay conscious |
| Skin is usually warm and normal in color | Cold skin may look pale or blue in color |
| Effects often wear off as alcohol is metabolized | Can be fatal without medical intervention |
Warning Signs of Alcohol Poisoning and What to Do
To reduce the risk of life-threatening complications, it’s essential to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning. Watch for:
- Nausea, vomiting, or dry heaving
- Slowed breathing (less than 8 per minute)
- Cold or clammy skin, purple or bluish fingernails or lips
- Loss of balance and basic motor skills, inability to walk
- Risky low body temperature (increased risk of hypothermia)
- Incoherent speech or loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness
If you recognize any of these signs, it’s important to call 911 immediately. Don’t assume they will “sleep it off”, as alcohopol poison often worsens quickly and becomes fatal. Turn them on their side to prevent choking from vomiting, avoid giving them food, coffee, or more alcohol, try to keep them warm with blankets, and stay with them until help arrives [1].
How Is Alcohol Poisoning Treated?
Alcohol poisoning is treated as a medical emergency, and medical providers focus on stabilizing vitals such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Treatment can include administering oxygen, providing intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and support blood pressure, and close monitoring. Medications may also be used to prevent seizures or manage irregular heart rhythms [1].
In severe cases, medical staff may need to protect the airway using a breathing tube if the person cannot breathe on their own or is at risk of choking. Blood tests may also be done to check alcohol levels and identify complications such as low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances.
5 Tips for Safer Drinking
Many people drink and enjoy alcohol without ever experiencing alcohol poisoning, and there are many ways to stay safe when drinking. Four tips to reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning include:
- Limit how much you drink. The recommendation is two maximum drinks for women and three for men, but if you drink more than that, at least space it out so you are not consuming more than one drink an hour.
- Keep track of your BAC level with a BAC calculator to help you limit your drinking and understand when you have passed the limit of being able to drive or function properly.
- Stay hydrated to not only reduce the risk of poisoning but also prevent hangovers in the morning. Drink a glass of water between every alcoholic drink you have.
- Eat before a heavy night of drinking. Having food in your stomach prevents quick absorption and intoxication.
- Never drink and drive or operate machinery. This can lead to life-threatening accidents, DUIs, heavy fines, and jail time.
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Sources
[1] Mayo Clinic. Alcohol Poisoning.
[2] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose.
[3] Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). and Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Calculator.