Key Takeaways
- Alcohol poisoning kills approximately 2,200 Americans per year — an average of 6 deaths per day.
- Alcohol poisoning occurs when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches levels that suppress vital functions including breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex.
- Critical signs include unconsciousness, slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths/minute), blue-tinged skin, low body temperature, seizures, and vomiting while unconscious.
- BAC can continue to rise even after a person stops drinking because alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to be absorbed.
- NEVER put an unconscious drunk person to sleep to "sleep it off" — they could die from aspiration, respiratory depression, or hypothermia.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect alcohol poisoning. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect callers from legal consequences.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period. When BAC rises to dangerous levels, the areas of the brain controlling basic life functions — breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation — begin to shut down.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Know these warning signs — they could save a life:
- Unconsciousness — cannot be awakened
- Slow breathing — fewer than 8 breaths per minute
- Irregular breathing — gaps of 10+ seconds between breaths
- Blue-tinged or pale skin (especially lips and fingertips)
- Low body temperature (hypothermia) — cold, clammy skin
- Seizures
- Vomiting while unconscious — extreme aspiration risk
- Confusion — if conscious, severely disoriented
What to Do
- Call 911 immediately — do not wait
- Stay with the person — do not leave them alone
- Turn them on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking on vomit
- Keep them warm with a blanket
- Be ready to provide information to paramedics (what they drank, how much, when)
What NOT to Do
- Do NOT let them "sleep it off" — BAC can still rise
- Do NOT give them coffee, food, or water (choking risk)
- Do NOT make them vomit (aspiration risk)
- Do NOT put them in a cold shower (hypothermia risk)
- Do NOT assume they will be fine — alcohol poisoning is fatal without treatment
BAC and Danger Levels
| BAC Level | Effects | |-----------|--------| | 0.08% | Legal impairment (driving limit) | | 0.15% | Significant impairment, vomiting possible | | 0.25% | Severe impairment, passing out likely | | 0.30% | Loss of consciousness, life-threatening | | 0.35%+ | Comparable to surgical anesthesia, potentially fatal | | 0.40%+ | Fatal for most people |
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges, learn more about professional help for dangerous drinking patterns available at Trailhead Treatment Center in Salem, NH.
When Alcohol Poisoning Signals a Bigger Problem
A single episode of alcohol poisoning may indicate:
- Binge drinking pattern that needs to be addressed
- Developing alcohol use disorder
- Peer environment that normalizes dangerous drinking
- Underlying emotional issues being masked by alcohol
Trailhead Treatment Center provides different levels of care for alcohol recovery to support lasting recovery and wellness.
Conclusion
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Knowing the signs and responding quickly can save a life. If alcohol use has become a recurring problem for you or someone you love, Trailhead Treatment Center provides professional treatment.