Enjoying alcohol in moderation is common, but excessive drinking can have severe consequences. Consuming large amounts of alcohol quickly can cause alcohol poisoning, a dangerous condition that overwhelms the body. Recognizing alcohol poisoning symptoms is critical because it can shut down vital brain functions controlling breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, which may lead to death.
Many people underestimate the risks of alcohol poisoning or fail to recognize its signs. Excessive alcohol use is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States, with more than 178,000 deaths attributed to it annually. Many adults believe they know the proper way to handle alcohol poisoning if it happens to someone around them, but many incorrect methods can actually make the situation worse.
If you or someone else is drinking unsafely, there are steps you can take to help. This guide explains the signs of alcohol poisoning and what actions you should take.
What is alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning, or alcohol overdose, happens when blood alcohol levels get so high that the brain can no longer control key functions. These include breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. When these systems fail, the condition becomes life-threatening and needs immediate medical help.
This condition is typically caused by drinking large quantities of alcohol, like beer or liquor, in a short time. It can also be caused by drinking products not meant for consumption, such as mouthwash or cough medicine. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
The amount of alcohol it takes to cause poisoning differs for each person. Factors like age, gender, alcohol tolerance, and how quickly the alcohol was consumed play a role. Combining alcohol with other drugs, like opioids or sedatives, greatly increases the overdose risk. This combination is especially dangerous as both substances slow down vital functions like breathing.
Understanding the risk and recognizing signs of alcohol poisoning can save a life. If you believe someone has alcohol poisoning, do not wait—get medical help right away.
Who is most at risk for alcohol poisoning?
Anyone who drinks a large amount of alcohol quickly is at risk for alcohol poisoning, though some groups are more vulnerable. Binge drinking and high-intensity drinking are the most common causes. Binge drinking involves consuming enough alcohol to raise blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. This is about five drinks for men or four for women in two hours. High-intensity drinking involves consuming alcohol at even higher levels.
Teenagers and young adults are especially susceptible to alcohol poisoning because binge drinking is common in this age group. Social pressure and inexperience with alcohol can lead them to drink too much too quickly. This rapid consumption can overwhelm the body’s ability to process the alcohol, leading to a sharp rise in BAC that harms essential body functions.
Recognizing signs of alcohol poisoning
Identifying alcohol poisoning can be difficult, as its symptoms may be mistaken for typical drunkenness. However, the signs of alcohol poisoning point to a medical emergency and should not be ignored.
Even common intoxication signs, such as slurred speech, show the brain is already impaired. Continuing to drink at this stage increases the risk of serious harm. Recognizing how symptoms progress and acting quickly can be lifesaving.
Confusion or disorientation
Alcohol poisoning slows brain function, causing symptoms like slurred speech and poor coordination. If someone appears confused, disoriented, or is unable to walk or speak clearly, they are at risk. These signs show their body is struggling to process the alcohol, and drinking more could lead to a dangerous overdose.
Trouble staying conscious
A very clear and dangerous sign of alcohol poisoning is issues with staying awake or passing out completely. If a person cannot be woken up, it’s a critical warning. You should never assume they can simply “sleep it off,” as this can be fatal. This situation requires immediate medical attention.
Changes in breathing
Alcohol poisoning can dangerously slow or even stop a person’s breathing. If someone’s breathing is shallow, slow (fewer than eight breaths per minute), or has long pauses, it is a serious emergency. If the person is unconscious and their breathing is irregular, call 911 immediately.
Vomiting
Vomiting is the body’s way of removing toxins, but it can be dangerous during an overdose. A person who is unconscious or semi-conscious can choke on their vomit, which may lead to death from asphyxiation. Always monitor someone who is vomiting after drinking heavily, especially if they cannot sit up.
Low body temperature and pale or clammy skin
Alcohol poisoning interferes with the body’s temperature regulation, which can cause hypothermia. Pale, clammy, or bluish skin is a sign that the body is under severe stress. A low body temperature can lead to further complications, including heart failure, and requires urgent care.
These symptoms are not signs of just being “too drunk.” They show that the body’s vital systems are starting to fail. Ignoring these warning signs can result in permanent brain damage or death.
How you can help
If you see someone with symptoms of alcohol poisoning, you must call 911 immediately. Even if the person is still conscious, their blood alcohol level can continue to rise from alcohol in their stomach, making the poisoning worse.
Stay with the person to ensure they don’t injure themselves. While waiting for 911, try to keep them awake and in a sitting position. If they are cooperative, encourage them to sip water slowly. A blanket can also help if their body temperature is dropping.
Common mistakes include putting the person in a cold shower or letting them “sleep it off.” A cold shower can increase the risk of hypothermia, and leaving them alone is dangerous because they could choke or stop breathing.
Prevention is the best cure
The saying \”prevention is the best cure\” is especially true for alcohol poisoning. Experiencing or witnessing an alcohol overdose is a serious matter. The only guaranteed way to avoid this is to drink responsibly.
Pace yourself when drinking and resist pressure from others to drink more than you’re comfortable with. If you believe that you or a loved one has a binge drinking problem, contact us today for help.
Sources
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Alcohol Facts and Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2025). Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2025). Health Topics: Alcohol Overdose.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (January 14, 2025). Alcohol Use and Your Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 6, 2025). Data on Excessive Alcohol Use.
- World Health Organization. (June 28, 2024). Alcohol – Fact Sheet.
