⚠️ What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and potentially deadly — medical emergency that occurs when someone drinks a large quantity of alcohol in a short time. It overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolise the alcohol, leading to central nervous system failure and impaired breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation.

🚨 Common Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

If you see someone displaying any of the following signs, it could be life-threatening:

Symptom What It Means
Vomiting repeatedly Body is rejecting excess alcohol
Slow or irregular breathing (under 8 breaths per minute) Risk of respiratory failure
Cold, clammy, or bluish skin Dangerously low body temperature
Confusion, stupor, or inability to stay awake CNS depression
Seizures May indicate extreme alcohol toxicity
Unconscious and unresponsive Immediate emergency — risk of coma or death

🧠 Even if the person is still breathing or conscious, never assume they will “sleep it off.”

🕐 How Fast Can Alcohol Poisoning Happen?

It can occur within hours, especially when:

  • Binge drinking (5+ drinks for men, 4+ for women)

  • Mixing alcohol with medications or other drugs

  • Drinking on an empty stomach

📌 The liver can only process about 1 standard drink per hour. Anything more starts to accumulate.

📞 When to Call 999

Call emergency services immediately if:

  • The person is unconscious, unresponsive, or breathing irregularly

  • You’re unsure how much they drank

  • They’ve had a seizure

  • They can’t be woken up

🚑 Paramedics are trained to provide oxygen, IV fluids, and life-saving support — time is critical.

💡 What Not to Do

  • ❌ Don’t let them “sleep it off”

  • ❌ Don’t try to induce vomiting

  • ❌ Don’t give them food, water, or coffee

  • ❌ Don’t leave them alone

✅ What You Can Do While Waiting for Help

  • ✅ Keep them sitting upright or in the recovery position (on their side)

  • ✅ Stay calm and monitor their breathing

  • ✅ Be ready to tell paramedics how much they drank and over what time

🧠 Long-Term Risks of Alcohol Poisoning

Survivors of alcohol poisoning may suffer:

  • Brain damage due to oxygen loss

  • Kidney or liver failure

  • Lasting cognitive impairment

This isn’t just a bad hangover — it’s a medical emergency.

👶 Alcohol Poisoning in Teenagers

Alcohol poisoning among young adults and teens is especially dangerous:

  • Lower body weight increases risk

  • Less experience with drinking leads to underestimating danger

  • May hide symptoms from adults or friends

Parents and caregivers should talk openly about safe alcohol use and the dangers of binge drinking.

✅ Conclusion

Recognising the signs of alcohol poisoning can save a life. Fast action is critical — if in doubt, call 999 immediately. Never assume someone will “sleep it off.” Your response could mean the difference between life and death.

Stay informed, stay prepared — and never ignore the signs. 🚑

Sources

  1. NHS – Alcohol poisoning: symptoms and treatment – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-poisoning/

  2. Drinkaware – Alcohol poisoning warning signs – https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/alcohol-poisoning

  3. Alcohol Change UK – Alcohol emergencies – https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now/alcohol-poisoning

  4. St John Ambulance – Recovery position guide – https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/unresponsive-casualty/the-recovery-position/

  5. Royal College of Emergency Medicine – Alcohol-related emergencies – https://rcem.ac.uk/guidelines-clinical-resources/