Alcohol Poisoning: What It Is, the Warning Signs, and Why It’s a Medical Emergency

For many adults, alcohol plays a role in social gatherings or special occasions. But when drinking goes too far, the consequences can quickly turn life-threatening. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that occurs when someone drinks more alcohol than their body can safely process—and it can happen faster than most people realize.
At Silver Ridge, we work with mid-life adults who are seeking freedom from alcohol dependence and its risks. One of the most dangerous consequences of heavy drinking is alcohol poisoning. Here’s what you need to know to recognize the signs and take action when it matters most.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning happens when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that it begins to shut down the body’s vital functions, including breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex. This can lead to coma—or death—if not treated promptly.
While the liver can typically process about one standard drink per hour, binge drinking (or consuming large amounts in a short time) overwhelms this process, allowing alcohol to build up rapidly in the bloodstream.
Common causes include:
- Binge drinking (typically 4+ drinks for women, 5+ for men in 2 hours)
- Drinking games or dares
- Mixing alcohol with medications or other substances
- Accidental overconsumption by people with low tolerance
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning can look different from person to person, but the most common signs include:
- Confusion or stupor
- Vomiting (especially if unconscious)
- Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute or more than 10 seconds between breaths)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature, pale or bluish skin)
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness that you can’t wake the person from
- Slow heart rate
- Clammy, cold skin
A common myth is that someone just needs to “sleep it off”—but if a person is unresponsive or breathing irregularly, they are in serious danger and need medical help immediately.
What Happens to the Body During Alcohol Poisoning?
As alcohol floods the bloodstream, the central nervous system becomes depressed. Here’s how it impacts different parts of the body:
- Brain: Impaired judgment, motor function, consciousness and reflexes
- Lungs: Slowed or stopped breathing due to suppressed brainstem activity
- Heart: Slowed heart rate and blood pressure, risking cardiac arrest
- Stomach: Risk of choking on vomit due to suppressed gag reflex
- Body temperature: Risk of hypothermia, which can lead to organ failure
In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can result in coma, permanent brain damage or death—especially without prompt intervention.
What to Do If You Suspect Alcohol Poisoning
- Call 911 immediately.
Time is critical. Don’t wait to see if the person “sleeps it off.” Medical professionals are trained to manage alcohol poisoning and can save a life.
- Stay with the person.
Keep them awake and sitting up if possible. If they are unconscious but breathing, roll them onto their side in the recovery position to prevent choking.
- Don’t leave them alone.
The situation can change quickly. Someone who seems “just drunk” can stop breathing without warning.
- Do not:
- Try to walk them around
- Give them food, water or coffee
- Put them in a cold shower (risk of shock or hypothermia)
- Let them “sleep it off”
Many states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who seek emergency help for someone experiencing an overdose or alcohol poisoning, even if underage drinking or illegal activity is involved.
Who’s at Risk?
Anyone can develop alcohol poisoning, but certain groups face a higher risk:
- Young adults and college students
- Individuals with low alcohol tolerance
- People taking medications that interact with alcohol
- Those who drink on an empty stomach
- People in social settings that encourage binge drinking or “shots”
Long-Term Impact and the Importance of Treatment
Even if someone survives an alcohol poisoning episode, the experience is a red flag that their relationship with alcohol may be dangerous. Repeated heavy drinking increases the risk of:
- Liver disease
- Heart problems
- Memory loss
- Dependency or addiction
- Future overdose or poisoning
At Silver Ridge, we provide comprehensive support for mid-life adults struggling with alcohol misuse or dependence. Our holistic, individualized treatment plans help clients uncover the root causes of substance use and develop healthier coping strategies—emotionally, mentally and physically.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
Alcohol poisoning is a clear sign that something has gone too far. But it’s also a powerful opportunity to seek change. Whether you’re concerned about your own drinking or worried about a loved one, help is available.
At Silver Ridge, we’re here to support real recovery—before it becomes a life-or-death emergency.
Contact us today to learn more about our evidence-based, mid-life focused treatment options.