When someone drinks a bit too much, it’s easy to shrug it off as just being overly tipsy. But alcohol poisoning is far more serious: a life-threatening medical emergency that can lead to coma or death if ignored.
This condition happens when the body is overwhelmed by alcohol use faster than it can process it. Breathing slows, and their heart rate drops. The person may become unconscious and not wake up without urgent help.
In this guide, we’ll break down what alcohol poisoning is, how to spot it, and ways to keep it from happening.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning happens when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises to a point where it shuts the body down. It’s often caused by drinking too much too quickly, which is known as binge drinking.
It can also occur when alcohol is mixed with other substances like opioids or benzodiazepines. These combinations can stop breathing, and Narcan won’t reverse alcohol’s effects.
Common causes include:
- Drinking too fast or in large amounts
- Taking repeated shots in a short window
- Consuming counterfeit or contaminated drinks
- Mixing alcohol with prescriptions or illicit substances
Someone who seems to be “sleeping it off” may actually be unconscious as their body shuts down. And while binge drinking is a leading cause, alcohol poisoning can also happen from consuming fake or bootleg alcohol, which is becoming a bigger issue in some regions.
Why Binge Drinking Isn’t Just “Harmless Fun”
Binge drinking is defined as:
- 4+ drinks in 2 hours for women
- 5+ drinks in 2 hours for men
The liver can only handle about one drink per hour. Anything more causes alcohol to build up quickly in the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the body’s vital systems. Even a single night of binge drinking can be dangerous, especially during:
- Holiday weekends
- Unsupervised gatherings
- College events or group celebrations
- Times when there’s pressure to “keep up”
Many people don’t realize how far they’ve gone until the damage is already done.
Early Warning Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Recognizing the symptoms early can save a life. These aren’t just signs of being drunk; they’re indications that the body is being placed under really serious strain.
Signs of alcohol overdose:
- Vomiting
- Slow or uneven breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
- Cold, clammy, or bluish skin
- Seizures
- Confusion or inability to stay awake
- Very low body temperature
- Unconsciousness
At toxic levels, alcohol disrupts how the brain, heart, and lungs work. If any of these signs show up, don’t wait: call 911 immediately. Quick action can be the difference between life and death.
Why Alcohol Poisoning Is So Dangerous
Once alcohol builds to a critical level, your vital systems begin to fail. This can happen faster than most people expect, and can have serious or fatal outcomes.
Alcohol poisoning can lead to:
- Coma
- Seizures linked to low blood sugar
- Heart and lung failure
- Choking on vomit (aspiration)
- Hypothermia
- Extreme dehydration
- Permanent brain injury
- Slowed heart rate
- Death
Even when alcohol poisoning isn’t fatal, it can leave behind lasting effects, from memory issues to damaged organs or mobility problems.
Methanol Poisoning in Laos: Risk of Counterfeit Alcohol
Not all alcohol is safe. Ethanol is the kind found in wine and spirits. Methanol is an industrial alcohol used in fuel and cleaning products, and it’s highly toxic to humans.
In 2024, several tourists in Laos died after drinking cocktails laced with methanol. This happens when alcohol is made illegally or cut with dangerous ingredients, often in places with few regulations.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:
- Blurred vision or blindness
- Vomiting and seizures
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Coma
- Death
Avoiding cheap or homemade drinks while traveling is one of the smartest ways to stay safe.
How to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning
Drinking safely doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. But you do need to know your limits and keep a close eye on what’s in your glass.
Helpful drinking habits:
- Take it slow: one drink per hour, max
- Alternate with water or a non-alcoholic drink
- Eat something substantial before and during
- Never mix with medications like sleep aids, painkillers, or anti-anxiety pills
- Stick with friends who will look out for you
- Step away from situations that feel unsafe or pushy
Avoiding Counterfeit or Contaminated Alcohol
In some parts of the world, alcohol is poorly regulated. Bootleg brews or mystery cocktails might be mixed with toxic ingredients.
Smart safety tips:
- Avoid dirt-cheap alcohol in unfamiliar places
- Skip anything that tastes “off” or overly harsh
- Only drink from sealed bottles with clear labeling
- Learn about local alcohol laws and avoid illegal products
Support and Recovery After an Alcohol Emergency
Getting through alcohol poisoning can at first feel like a survival story, but it could also be a turning point. Ask yourself the hard questions: Why did I drink that much, that fast? Is this part of a bigger problem? Do I feel in control when I drink, or out of control?
These aren’t questions anyone else can answer. But taking them seriously can be the first honest step toward healing. If those answers point to something deeper, that’s where recovery starts: with medical detox. Reach out for professional addiction treatment and care designed to address alcohol use disorder and help prevent future emergencies.
