Blog
Alcohol poisoning
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency caused by consuming a toxic amount of alcohol—typically over a short period. It suppresses the body’s critical life functions, including breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Without immediate treatment, alcohol poisoning can lead to permanent brain damage or death. While often associated with binge drinking or hazing rituals, it can happen to anyone, at any age.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning occurs when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches a level that interferes with the brain’s ability to regulate vital systems. At high enough levels, alcohol depresses the central nervous system, leading to slowed breathing, irregular heartbeat, lowered body temperature, and eventually coma or death. It’s not the same as being “very drunk”—it’s a crisis, and it needs emergency care immediately.
Symptoms
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can come on quickly and may worsen over time. Key signs include:
Confusion or stupor
Vomiting
Seizures
Slow or irregular breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute, or gaps of >10 seconds)
Pale, bluish, or clammy skin
Low body temperature (hypothermia)
Unconsciousness and unresponsiveness
Choking or gurgling noises
Inability to wake up even with shaking or shouting
Note: Even after someone stops drinking, their blood alcohol level can continue to rise for 30–90 minutes. If in doubt, call 911.
Causes
Alcohol poisoning typically results from binge drinking or rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol. Causes include:
Drinking large volumes in a short time (e.g., shots, chugging contests)
Mixing alcohol with medications or other substances
Low body weight or slow alcohol metabolism
Accidental overconsumption (e.g., hidden alcohol in punch or edibles)
Children ingesting alcohol by accident
The liver can only process about 1 standard drink per hour. Any more than that can cause alcohol to build up in the bloodstream rapidly.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for alcohol poisoning include:
Young age, especially teens and young adults
College or fraternity environments
Low alcohol tolerance
Pre-existing liver disease or metabolic dysfunction
Mixing alcohol with opioids, benzodiazepines, or antihistamines
Drinking on an empty stomach
Competitive or forced drinking (e.g., hazing or dares)
Lack of supervision or education about safe drinking
Diagnosis
Alcohol poisoning is diagnosed clinically, based on symptoms. In the ER, providers will evaluate:
Vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure)
Level of consciousness
Breathalyzer or blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
Blood tests for liver function, electrolytes, glucose, and kidney function
Toxicology screening to rule out other substances
Prompt recognition is essential. Delayed care increases the risk of brain damage, respiratory failure, or death.
Treatments
Alcohol poisoning must be treated in a hospital setting. There is no “home remedy.” Immediate steps include:
Emergency Care:
Call 911 immediately
Do not leave the person alone
Do not try to “sleep it off”
Position them on their side to prevent choking
Hospital Treatment:
IV fluids to rehydrate and stabilize blood pressure
Oxygen support or mechanical ventilation if breathing is compromised
Glucose and thiamine to correct hypoglycemia or Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Stomach pumping or activated charcoal (rare, and only early on)
Hemodialysis in severe cases to rapidly remove alcohol
Prevention
Pace yourself:
No more than 1 drink per hourNever mix alcohol with other drugs or medications
Eat before and during drinking
Set a drink limit and stick to it
Be cautious with high-proof liquors and cocktails that mask alcohol strength.
Educate teens and young adults about the signs and dangers
Know when to call for help—better safe than sorry
Our Take
At Covenant, we’ve seen firsthand how fast alcohol poisoning can take a life. It’s not about being reckless—it’s about biology. The liver can only process so much, and once you pass that threshold, the body’s systems start shutting down.
We urge families to talk early, talk often, and never assume someone will just “sleep it off.” If they’re not waking up, not breathing right, or vomiting while unconscious—call 911.
No second-guessing.
Concerned about your drinking habits or someone you love?
Whether you’re recovering from an incident or trying to set healthy boundaries, we’re here to help.
Take our liver and alcohol health quiz or schedule a metabolic consultation today.
