Left untreated, alcohol poisoning can lead to brain damage, coma, or death. Alcohol poisoning most often occurs among adults ages 35 to 64, with most instances involving men ages 45 to 54. Fatality is most common among white, non-Hispanic individuals. As alcohol builds up in the blood, physiological functions slow.
Alcohol Poisoning: How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?
It is dangerous to assume that an unconscious person will be fine by sleeping it off. One potential danger of alcohol overdose is choking on one’s own vomit. Alcohol at very high levels can hinder signals in the brain that control automatic responses, such as the gag reflex. With no gag reflex, a person who drinks to the point of passing out is in danger of choking on their vomit and dying from a lack of oxygen (i.e., asphyxiation).
- You must seek emergency medical treatment for a person who’s showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
- Treatment for alcohol intoxication involves supportive care while the body tries to process the alcohol.
- The study described above examined how much alcohol consumption might be too much.
- But alcohol poisoning is so serious, that not calling 911 could result in death.
- Severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- We provide treatment services at varying levels, including detoxification services, inpatient and residential treatment, outpatient programs, and aftercare programs.
- When one drinks too much or too quickly despite being significantly intoxicated, it can result in an alcohol overdose.1 Alcohol overdose (also known as alcohol poisoning or alcohol toxicity) can be fatal.
What Is an Alcohol Overdose?
Whether you need stitches, a broken bone set or think your appendix might be causing your abdominal pain, Cleveland Clinic’s emergency medicine team is here to help. Don’t assume you can sleep it off or that you’ll be OK in the morning. If you can’t sit up, lie on your side to prevent choking on your vomit. A mixed drink or cocktail could have more than one serving of alcohol in it.
Alcohol Poisoning Myths
Alcohol intoxication occurs from drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. Any of these symptoms are signs that immediate medical attention is necessary. At this stage, a person’s BAC will range from alcohol poisoning 0.25 to 0.4 percent.
- Alcohol poisoning is serious and potentially life-threatening.
- In the event of alcohol poisoning, particularly if the person is struggling to breathe, experiences seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Note that a BAC of 0.08 percent is the legal limit of intoxication in the United States.
- Methanol-contaminated alcoholic beverages are responsible for a significant proportion of accidental deaths from alcohol poisoning.
- The person may not be able to stand up, may stagger when walking, and will likely be extremely confused about what’s going on.
What Can Increase the Risk of Alcohol Poisoning?
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, slurred speech, irregular breathing, low body temperature, slowed heart rate, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Unconscious persons are at risk of choking if they vomit, due to the dulling effects of alcohol on the gag reflex. Mild intoxication is mostly referred to by slang terms such as tipsy or buzzed. If someone experiences an alcohol overdose, they may need lifesaving treatment immediately. If you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 emergency medical services immediately. This pattern of drinking is defined by a amphetamine addiction treatment blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that reaches .08 percent or higher, which typically equates to four drinks in a row within two hours for women and, for men, five drinks in a row in that same amount of time.
