Alcohol poisoning

Alternative Names

Alcohol intoxication

What is Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a physiological state, characterized as a consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, that occurs when a person has a high level of alcohol in his or her blood. In severe cases, it can become deadly. The toxicity is related to the blood level of the alcohol.

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

• confusion
• loss of co-ordination
• vomiting
• irregular or slow breathing
• blue-tinged or pale skin
• low body temperature (hypothermia)
• stupor (being conscious but unresponsive)
• unconsciousness (passing out)

Possible complications

Alcohol poisoning can cause the following complications:

• choke on their vomit
• stop breathing
• have a heart attack
• inhale vomit, leading to fatal lung damage
• become severely dehydrated, which can cause permanent brain damage in extreme cases
• get hypothermia
• suffer seizures because of lowered blood sugar levels
• brain damage and even death

What causes

Alcohol comes in several forms, including:

• isopropyl alcohol which is found in rubbing alcohol, lotions and some cleaning products
• methanol, a common ingredient in antifreeze, paints and solvents
• ethanol which is found in alcoholic beverages, mouthwash and some medications

Prevention

You can prevent yourself from alcohol poisoning by taking the following precautions:

• replace some of your drinks with non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks
• if you drink mainly when you go out, try going out later or having your first drink later
• if you drink mainly at home, trying buying non-alcoholic alternatives
• buy smaller glasses and watch how much you pour
• if you use alcohol to ‘wind down’ after a hard day, find alternatives such as exercise classes or
• relaxation techniques
• avoid drinking on an empty stomach
• avoid mixing different alcoholic drinks

Sometimes it is effective to keep a drink diary and write down the following information:

• all the alcoholic drinks you had
• how many units you drank (calculate this using the box opposite or track your drinking from your mobile phone)
• what time you had them
• where you were

Treatment

Alcohol poisoning treatment in most cases involves supportive care. It typically includes:

• careful monitoring
• prevention of breathing or choking problems
• oxygen therapy
• fluids given through a vein (intravenously) to prevent dehydration
• the use of thiamin and glucose, as needed