Alcohol Poisoning: Know the Signs and Save a Life

It's a story we hear all too often—a fun evening takes a dangerous turn when drinking goes too far. Alcohol poisoning, a dangerous consequence of binge drinking, is a serious health issue. According to the CDC, an average of six people die from alcohol poisoning daily in the United States. Shockingly, 76% of those who die are adults aged 35 to 64, showing that alcohol poisoning affects more than just young people.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

First, let's clarify what "alcohol poisoning" means. It's more than a bad hangover or regrettable decisions. Alcohol poisoning is a severe—and sometimes deadly—result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time.

The Science Behind Alcohol Poisoning

When you drink alcohol, it enters your bloodstream from the stomach and intestines. Once in the blood, it travels throughout your body, affecting the central nervous system, which controls essential body functions. The amount of alcohol in your blood is called Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). The higher your BAC, the more impaired you become.

Your liver works to process and break down alcohol, but it can only handle about one standard drink per hour (such as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits). If you drink too much too quickly, your liver can't keep up. Alcohol builds up in your bloodstream and can shut down parts of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. This is alcohol poisoning, and it's a medical emergency.

Key Statistics

• One in six U.S. adults binge drinks about four times a month, averaging seven drinks per binge.
• About 60% of Americans increased their alcohol use during COVID-19 lockdowns.
• Men account for 76% of alcohol poisoning deaths.
• Binge drinking cost the U.S. $191 billion in 2010 due to lost productivity, healthcare, and crime.
• Globally, alcohol causes 3 million deaths each year.
• Excessive drinking is linked to over 200 diseases and injuries.
• Alcohol is the leading risk factor for death in males aged 15–49 worldwide.

Spotting the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Recognizing alcohol poisoning early can save a life. Look for these symptoms:

• Confusion or stupor: Difficulty remembering where they are or holding a conversation.
• Vomiting: Especially if the person is semi-conscious or unconscious, raising the risk of choking.
• Seizures: Caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Slow or irregular breathing: Fewer than eight breaths per minute or long gaps between breaths.
• Blue-tinged or pale skin: Indicates poor circulation and lack of oxygen.
• Low body temperature (hypothermia): Feeling unusually cold to the touch.
• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up: If someone can't be roused, it's an emergency.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can get alcohol poisoning, some groups are more vulnerable:

• Binge drinkers, especially those aged 18–24
• People with alcohol use disorder
• Those taking certain medications
• Individuals with liver disease or other health conditions
• Children and teens
• People who mix alcohol with drugs
• Those with a genetic predisposition to slow alcohol metabolism
• Individuals with high alcohol tolerance (this does not protect against poisoning)

Alcohol Poisoning vs. Being Drunk

It's important to tell the difference between typical drunken behavior and alcohol poisoning:

• Slurred speech vs. unresponsiveness
• Loss of balance vs. slow breathing and stupor
• Impaired judgment vs. extreme confusion

When in doubt, always seek medical help.

What to Do in an Emergency

If someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• Keep the person awake and sitting up if possible.
• If unconscious, roll them onto their side to prevent choking.
• Keep them warm with a blanket.
• Do not give them food, drink, coffee, or put them in a cold shower.
• Stay with them until help arrives.

Building Healthier Drinking Habits

To reduce your risk of alcohol poisoning and improve your well-being:

• Try lighter alcoholic drinks or non-alcoholic options like mocktails.
• Set a drink limit before social events.
• Keep a journal to track your drinking and its effects.
• Follow the "One for One" rule: one glass of water for every alcoholic drink.
• Read drink labels to understand alcohol content.
• Share your goals with supportive friends or family.
• Use tools like Quitemate to help manage or reduce alcohol intake.

Spread Awareness

Understanding alcohol poisoning empowers us to protect ourselves and others. By recognizing the signs, knowing what to do in an emergency, and adopting healthier habits, we can prevent tragedies and support each other in making safer choices. Let's keep the conversation going and prioritize health and safety in our communities.