What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Is Alcohol Intoxication the Same as Alcohol Poisoning?

Although alcohol intoxication and alcohol poisoning share some similarities, they are not the same condition. Alcohol intoxication refers to the effects of consuming excess alcohol, such as impaired judgment and coordination. In contrast, alcohol poisoning also includes these effects but is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person consumes a dangerous amount of alcohol in a short period of time.

What Demographics Are Most at Risk of Poisoning From Alcohol Consumption?

Several demographic factors may put individuals at heightened risk of alcohol poisoning. While alcohol poisoning can affect individuals of any age or background, certain groups may be more vulnerable. For example, men tend to drink more than women, and this may be one reason why they represent more than three-quarter of those who die from alcohol poisoning. (1) Also, middle-aged people may be more likely than their younger counterparts to suffer from alcohol poisoning because they typically take more prescription drugs, which places them at a greater risk. (2)

Other Demographics at Higher Risk Include:

• College students, especially those exposed to a campus culture that promotes heavy alcohol use.
• People with alcohol-related disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.
• People with low alcohol tolerance due to genetic factors or physiological differences.
• People with limited knowledge or education about safe drinking practices and signs of alcohol poisoning.

Causes of Alcohol Poisoning & Intoxication

When a person drinks alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and affects the central nervous system (CNS). Consuming alcohol in large amounts or rapidly can overwhelm the body’s ability to process and eliminate it, resulting in high levels of alcohol in the body.

Common Causes of Alcohol Poisoning & Intoxication Include:

• Binge drinking, or consuming more than four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in about two hours. (3)
• Drinking high-alcohol content beverages, such as distilled spirits or strong liquor.
• Being unaccustomed to drinking alcohol, having a low tolerance, or experiencing a metabolic disorder.
• Combining alcohol with certain medications, such as depressants or opioids, and illicit drugs.
• Pre-existing health conditions, such as liver disease, respiratory problems, or a history of alcoholism
• Drinking on an empty stomach.

What Happens to Your Brain & Body When You Have Alcohol Poisoning?

When a person has alcohol poisoning, the body’s usual processes for breaking down and expelling alcohol cannot keep up with the high levels of consumption. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of alcohol in the bloodstream, leading to a variety of harmful effects.

Central Nervous System Depression

Alcohol slows brain activity, and severe depressant effects can lead to confusion, disorientation, impaired balance and coordination, and slow, shallow, or stopped breathing. The person may also exhibit decreased responsiveness to stimuli. In severe cases, it can also result in unconsciousness and respiratory failure, often evidenced by clammy, pale, or bluish skin and nails (cyanosis).

Aspiration & Vomiting

Alcohol poisoning often triggers the body’s natural response to remove toxic substances, causing nausea and vomiting. However, if a person is not fully conscious, they may not have the ability to clear their airway, which can result in the inhalation of vomit (aspiration) and, eventually, choking or lung damage. (4)

Hypothermia

Alcohol can cause a significant decrease in body temperature (hypothermia) to dangerously low levels, leading to shivering, pale or bluish skin, and potential organ damage. This is more likely to occur in cool or cold weather. Meanwhile, the vasodilatation caused by alcohol provides a deceptive sensation of warmth while also increasing heat loss through radiation.

Liver Damage & Kidney Dysfunction

Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and chronic, excessive alcohol use can lead to liver damage, including alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. Severe alcohol poisoning can also affect kidney function and potentially lead to kidney damage. Moreover, alcohol can inflame the stomach lining, leading to gastritis, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Severe alcohol poisoning can result in damage to the digestive system and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Other Severe Health Issues

Alcohol is a diuretic, and heavy alcohol use without sufficient fluid intake can result in severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can compromise the functioning of various body systems. Heavy alcohol use can interfere with the heart’s normal rhythm, leading to an irregular heartbeat, a drop in blood pressure, and cardiovascular collapse. In serious cases, this condition can trigger seizures, possibly causing a loss of consciousness, convulsions, and other injuries, such as head trauma.