Alcohol Poisoning: Symptoms, Risks, And Emergency Help

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning happens when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that vital functions begin to shut down. The brain, heart, and lungs are especially affected. This usually occurs after “binge drinking” — consuming large amounts of alcohol quickly — but it can also happen with smaller amounts in people with underlying health issues or low tolerance.

For a broader look at alcohol use and addiction, see our alcohol addiction overview.

Signs And Symptoms Of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is different from simply being drunk. The symptoms are more severe and can progress quickly. Warning signs may include:

• Confusion, stupor, or inability to stay awake
• Vomiting repeatedly or uncontrollably
• Very slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute, or long pauses)
• Slow heart rate or weak pulse
• Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
• Body temperature dropping (hypothermia)
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness — cannot be woken by shouting, shaking, or pain

Any of these signs can indicate an emergency. Do not wait for all symptoms to appear. If you suspect alcohol poisoning, treat it as an urgent medical situation and call emergency services right away.

Alcohol Poisoning Vs. Being Drunk

Many people underestimate how serious alcohol poisoning is because some symptoms can look like “just being really drunk.” However:

• Someone who is very drunk may still respond to you, even if slowly or clumsily.
• Someone with alcohol poisoning may not respond at all or may only groan or move slightly.
• Breathing that is slow, shallow, or stops and starts is a red flag for alcohol poisoning.
• Passing out and “sleeping it off” can be deadly if breathing is compromised or the person vomits while unconscious.

If you are unsure, always err on the side of safety and seek medical help.

Common Causes And Risk Factors

Alcohol poisoning often happens in social settings where heavy drinking is encouraged or normalized, such as parties, college events, or celebrations. Risk increases when people:

• Engage in binge drinking or drinking games
• Mix alcohol with sedating medications or other drugs
• Drink rapidly on an empty stomach
• Have smaller body size or lower tolerance
• Use alcohol to cope with stress, trauma, or mental health symptoms

Alcohol poisoning is also strongly linked to risky behaviors like drunk driving. Our drunk driving facts resource explains how even one episode can lead to serious legal and safety consequences.

What To Do If You Suspect Alcohol Poisoning

If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning:

• Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number).
• Stay with the person and do not leave them alone.
• If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position to help prevent choking if they vomit.
• Keep them warm with a blanket or coat if available.
• Give emergency responders as much information as you can — how much they drank, when, and whether other substances were used.

Avoid these common but dangerous “home remedies”:

• Do not give coffee, energy drinks, or more alcohol.
• Do not put them in a cold shower (this can lower body temperature further).
• Do not try to make them walk around to “sober up.”
• Do not assume they will “sleep it off.”

Once the immediate crisis has passed, it is important to consider follow-up care, such as a chemical dependency evaluation or substance abuse evaluation near you.

Medical Treatment For Alcohol Poisoning

In a hospital or emergency department, treatment may include:

• Monitoring breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Placing an IV for fluids, vitamins, and medications
• Supporting breathing with oxygen or a breathing tube if necessary
• Managing seizures or other complications
• Evaluating for injuries from falls, accidents, or assaults

After stabilization, the medical team may recommend ongoing care through alcohol detox and further alcohol treatment to address the underlying pattern of use.

Alcohol Poisoning And Alcohol Process Times

Alcohol poisoning is closely related to how quickly alcohol builds up in the body. Drinking large amounts in a short time can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process alcohol, causing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise to dangerous levels.

To better understand how long alcohol can affect your body and judgment, read our guide to alcohol process times.

Alcohol Poisoning As A Warning Sign

An episode of alcohol poisoning is a serious warning sign that alcohol use may be out of control. Even if it feels like a one-time event, it often points to a pattern of high-risk drinking or underlying alcohol addiction.

If you or a loved one has experienced alcohol poisoning, it may be time to consider:

• Medical stabilization followed by alcohol detox
• Entry into a structured program such as residential treatment, PHP, or IOP
• Ongoing support through individual counseling and group therapy

Preventing Alcohol Poisoning

The only guaranteed way to prevent alcohol poisoning is to avoid heavy drinking. For those who do drink, reducing risk might include:

• Setting limits before you start drinking
• Avoiding drinking games and rapid “shots”
• Not mixing alcohol with other drugs, including sedating medications
• Eating before and while you drink
• Planning safe transportation — never drinking and driving

If it feels difficult or impossible to stick to these limits, that may be a sign of developing alcohol use disorder. Our alcohol treatment page explains how professional support can help.

Support For Families After Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is frightening for everyone involved. Families may feel scared, angry, or unsure how to respond. Helpful steps may include:

• Talking with the medical team about recommended follow-up care
• Seeking counseling through our range of therapy services
• Learning about boundaries, enabling, and self-care
• Attending support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and family-focused groups such as Nar-Anon
• Exploring intervention services if a loved one continues to refuse help

Families do not cause alcohol poisoning, but they can play a powerful role in encouraging treatment and supporting recovery.

Taking The Next Step Toward Safety And Recovery

If you are worried about alcohol poisoning — whether it has already happened or you feel it could — you do not have to wait for another emergency to ask for help. Early action can save lives and prevent long-term harm.

To explore options for detox, treatment, and ongoing support, you can:

• Review our alcohol addiction guide
• Learn about alcohol detox and other detox services
• Explore treatment programs and levels of care
• Check insurance resources to understand coverage
• Request a confidential call from our team
• Contact us directly with questions

With compassionate, evidence-based care, many people move from dangerous alcohol use to safe, stable recovery. Reaching out is the first step.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions you have regarding a substance use or mental health concern.