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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when alcohol consumption takes a dangerous turn, along with how long alcohol poisoning can last, you’re in the right place. In this article, we explore what alcohol poisoning is, the key symptoms, how it can be caused and what treatment options are available.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning, also known as alcohol overdose, is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time.
An alcohol overdose happens when the body’s ability to process and metabolise alcohol is overwhelmed by the high levels of alcohol present in the bloodstream. The more alcohol a person consumes in a shorter span of time, the greater the risk of alcohol poisoning. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning can vary in severity but may include:
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Slurring words or being unable to speak.
- Vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Slow or irregular breathing.
- Unable to coordinate movement.
- Bluish skin or pale skin.
- Unconsciousness.
- Hypothermia (low body temperature).
- Slow heart rate.
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention should be sought if it’s suspected. It is important to note that alcohol poisoning can lead to complications such as brain damage, and choking, and could even be fatal. Calling emergency services or seeking help at a hospital is crucial.
What Can Cause Alcohol Poisoning?
Although there isn’t a set amount of alcohol that can cause alcohol poisoning, it’s widely agreed by medical professionals that engaging in binge drinking behaviour is the leading cause of alcohol overdose.
Alcohol poisoning can also happen if the individual is living with alcohol addiction or when alcoholic beverages are consumed at a fast rate, as this means that the body is not able to filter the ethanol from the blood quickly enough. How much is too much, however, will depend on a wide range of factors, such as your tolerance levels, gender, and weight.
How Long Can Alcohol Poisoning Last?
The duration of alcohol poisoning can vary depending on the severity of the case and how quickly the individual receives medical treatment. Generally, alcohol poisoning can last from a few hours to a couple of days. Even when someone stops drinking, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise for 30-40 minutes, resulting in worsening symptoms.
The initial effects of alcohol consumption may include feelings of euphoria, lowered inhibitions, increased sociability, and impaired judgment. These effects typically appear shortly after consuming alcohol within 30 to 60 minutes.
Within 1 – 3 hours, as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) continues to rise, mild intoxication symptoms may become apparent. These can include slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired coordination, altered perception, and slower reaction times.
As your BAC levels rise further, within 3 – 6 hours, your condition may worsen. You may experience severe intoxication symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Judgment and decision-making abilities may be significantly impaired.
Severe impairment can occur up to 6 hours after consuming alcohol. In cases of alcohol poisoning, your BAC can reach dangerously high levels. Severe symptoms can include extreme confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Some of the most common mild symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion or slurred speech, damp or clammy skin, headache, flushed skin, fatigue and drowsiness, mood swings, irritability, memory loss, reduced inhibitions, and poor coordination.
The more serious symptoms include severe confusion, throwing up, very slow heartbeat, trouble staying awake, seizures, slow breathing, low body temperature and slow responses. In severe cases of alcohol poisoning, potential complications could be a heart attack, coma, choking on your own vomit, trouble breathing, loss of bladder control, severe dehydration, hypothermia, brain damage, seizures, coma, and even death.
One of the primary dangers of delayed treatment for alcohol poisoning is the potential for respiratory depression. Excessive alcohol consumption can depress the central nervous system, slowing down vital functions such as breathing. When left untreated, this can lead to a significant decrease in oxygen levels in the body, which may result in brain damage or even respiratory failure. Recognising the symptoms of alcohol poisoning is crucial to ensuring prompt treatment. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms after consuming a significant amount of alcohol, it is vital to call emergency services immediately.
Seek Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning
If you’ve drunk a dangerous amount of alcohol and are exhibiting signs of alcohol overdose, it’s crucial that you seek out emergency medical attention immediately to treat alcohol poisoning. Medical staff may ‘pump’ your stomach to reduce the likelihood of any leftover alcohol entering your bloodstream. They may also give you fluids through an IV, give you extra oxygen to help you breathe, and remove toxins from your blood.
You’ll likely receive a full assessment and evaluation where your vital signs, such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, will be assessed. You’ll be asked about your volume of consumption, the type of alcohol consumed, and if any other substances were taken alongside the alcohol. Answering these questions honestly is crucial to ensuring you receive appropriate treatment.
Medical professionals will then focus on stabilising your condition and preventing further harm, administering fluids to help rehydrate the body and correct any electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive alcohol consumption. In some cases, oxygen therapy may be provided to ensure proper breathing and oxygenation.
You’ll be continuously monitored to check for any other complications. Blood tests may be taken to assess liver function and blood alcohol levels. Depending on the severity of the alcohol poisoning, you may require close observation and supportive care. You will be monitored for any signs of complications, such as pneumonia or respiratory distress.
If you’re waiting for medical professionals to arrive to treat the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, there are some actions you can take to help. It’s important that you’re aware of the signs and call for help immediately. Whilst you’re waiting, be prepared to provide information to the responders, such as the type of alcohol consumed, any other substances they’ve taken, allergies to medications, and any existing health conditions. Don’t leave the person alone, as they’re at high risk of being injured, potentially falling, or choking. Keep them on the ground in a partially upright position. If they’re vomiting, lean them forward to prevent choking. If they’re unconscious or lying down, roll them onto one side to prevent choking again.
What to Do if You Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning
If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, you will need to act with immediate and appropriate action. As we touched on earlier, the most obvious signs of alcohol poisoning can include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia (low body temperature), blue-tinged or pale skin, and unconsciousness. If the person also cannot be woken up, take these as serious signs that require immediate intervention from medical professionals.
Upon recognising the signs of potential alcohol poisoning, your first action should be to call 999 for immediate medical assistance. Don’t wait until every symptom has become visible. If the individual is unconscious, semi-conscious, or even experiencing seizures, act quickly. While waiting for the ambulance, if possible, try to keep the person awake, warm and upright. If the person is unconscious or semi-conscious, lay them on their side in the recovery position to help prevent choking if they vomit, as this can happen as the body works to expel toxins from the body. However, do not try to make them sick – as this can cause choking.
It is essential not to leave an unconscious person alone as their condition could rapidly worsen. Try to collect information about what alcohol and how much the person has consumed. This information could be vital for medical professionals. Avoid giving them coffee or trying to make them ‘sober up’ with a cold shower, as these methods will not reverse alcohol poisoning and could potentially cause further harm.
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John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: September 8, 2023
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.