Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning or any other medical emergency, call 911 immediately or seek professional medical assistance.
Alcohol affects the body in stages. At first, drinking may lead to relaxation and lowered inhibitions, but with continued consumption, coordination, judgment, and awareness start to decline. At a certain point, the body can no longer process alcohol fast enough, leading to dangerous levels of intoxication.
The difference between being drunk and alcohol poisoning is more than just a matter of degree. A person who is intoxicated may be unsteady or slur their words, but they can still respond to their surroundings. Alcohol poisoning, on the other hand, happens when the central nervous system becomes so depressed that breathing, heart rate, and basic reflexes slow down to dangerous levels. If left untreated, it can result in permanent damage or death.
Below, this post will cover how to tell the difference between intoxication and alcohol poisoning, the warning signs that require immediate medical help, and why binge drinking increases the risk.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, understand you are not alone and that many others are going through help as you read this. Each person has a unique past and the ability to write their future from a new perspective without alcohol. If you’re ready to start treatment for alcohol addiction, reach out today. We can start by checking what your insurance covers and sharing times our different Day, Half-Day and Evening Treatment programs run.
Understanding Alcohol Intoxication vs. Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol affects the body in different ways depending on how much is consumed and how quickly. While mild intoxication might wear off with time, excessive drinking can overwhelm the body’s ability to process alcohol, leading to dangerous levels of impairment. Knowing the difference between being drunk and experiencing alcohol poisoning can help prevent serious consequences.
What Happens When Someone Gets Drunk?
Drinking slows brain function, affecting coordination, decision-making, and reaction time. The more alcohol in the bloodstream, the greater the impact.
- Lowered inhibitions – People may feel more confident or take risks they normally wouldn’t.
- Slowed reflexes and coordination – Reaction time decreases, making activities like driving dangerous.
- Slurred speech and impaired thinking – Forming sentences and processing information becomes harder.
- Memory blackouts – Drinking too much in a short period can prevent the brain from forming new memories, leading to missing chunks of time.
While these effects are common with intoxication, they do not necessarily indicate alcohol poisoning. However, if someone continues drinking past the point of blackout or becomes unresponsive, the situation becomes much more dangerous.
What Is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning happens when so much alcohol enters the bloodstream that the body can no longer regulate basic functions like breathing and heart rate. Unlike being drunk, this isn’t just temporary impairment—it’s a medical emergency.
- Toxic buildup in the bloodstream – The liver can only process a limited amount of alcohol per hour. Drinking too quickly leads to excess alcohol circulating in the body.
- Slowed vital functions – Breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation begin to shut down.
- Higher risk with binge drinking – Consuming multiple drinks in a short period can flood the system before the body has time to break the alcohol down, increasing the likelihood of poisoning.
The key difference between intoxication and alcohol poisoning is that while a drunk person may be impaired, they are still conscious and responsive. Someone with alcohol poisoning may be completely unresponsive, struggling to breathe, or experiencing seizures. At that point, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Key Differences: Drunk vs. Alcohol Poisoning
Drinking too much can lead to different levels of impairment, but there’s a distinct difference between someone who is drunk and someone experiencing alcohol poisoning. While intoxication may cause slurred speech and poor coordination, alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that can result in life-threatening complications. Recognizing the difference is essential, especially in situations where drinking has escalated beyond control.
Common Signs of Being Drunk
Drunkenness comes with noticeable behavioral and physical changes. These effects can range from mild to severe, but they typically wear off as the body metabolizes the alcohol.
- Flushed skin – A red or warm face can be a sign that alcohol is affecting circulation.
- Slurred speech – Words may become harder to form, and sentences may not come out clearly.
- Poor coordination – Difficulty walking, stumbling, or an inability to focus on simple tasks.
- Increased confidence and risk-taking – A drunk person may act impulsively, taking risks they normally wouldn’t.
- Mood swings or exaggerated emotions – Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to sudden shifts in mood, from euphoria to aggression or sadness.
While these effects may cause temporary impairment, they do not necessarily indicate alcohol poisoning. The body can still process alcohol at this stage, and the person is likely to regain full function with time and hydration.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning goes beyond intoxication, affecting the body’s ability to function properly. If someone exhibits any of the following symptoms, emergency medical attention is needed immediately, in which case you should call 911 immediately.
- Confusion, stupor, or inability to stay awake – A person may seem dazed, struggle to respond, or slip in and out of consciousness.
- Vomiting without full awareness – Alcohol poisoning can suppress the gag reflex, increasing the risk of choking. If someone is unconscious and vomiting, they could aspirate stomach contents into their lungs.
- Slow or irregular breathing – Fewer than eight breaths per minute or long pauses between breaths signal that alcohol is affecting respiratory function.
- Seizures, hypothermia, or bluish skin – A drop in body temperature and a lack of oxygen can cause skin to turn pale or blue, particularly around the lips and fingertips.
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness – If a person cannot be woken up, their body may be shutting down due to excessive alcohol in the bloodstream.
Alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical intervention. Unlike being drunk, where the body eventually metabolizes the alcohol, poisoning can continue to worsen even if the person stops drinking. The risk of fatal complications—such as respiratory failure or choking—makes it essential to seek help as soon as these symptoms appear.
What to Do in an Emergency
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires quick action. A person who is extremely intoxicated may just seem like they need rest, but when alcohol reaches toxic levels, the body can begin to shut down. Knowing when to seek help and what not to do can make the difference between life and death.
When to Seek Medical Help
It can be difficult to tell the difference between someone who is simply passed out and someone who is in serious danger. The safest approach is to assume that any unresponsiveness after heavy drinking is a medical emergency.
- If they are unconscious and cannot be woken up – If someone doesn’t respond to shouting, shaking, or painful stimuli like a firm pinch, their body may be shutting down.
- If their breathing is slow or irregular – Fewer than eight breaths per minute or long pauses between breaths means oxygen levels could be dropping.
- If their skin looks pale, blue, or cold to the touch – It is a sign that body temperature is dropping dangerously low.
- If they have been vomiting while unconscious – Without a functional gag reflex, they could choke or aspirate vomit into their lungs.
Why Sleeping It Off Isn’t Always Safe
Many people assume that letting someone “sleep it off” is the best approach, but alcohol poisoning can continue to progress even after drinking stops. The body keeps absorbing alcohol from the stomach and intestines, which means blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can keep rising. If breathing slows too much or vomiting occurs while unconscious, the risk of fatal complications increases.
When calling 911, provide clear details:
- The person’s age and what they drank.
- How much alcohol they consumed, and how quickly.
- Any medications or drugs they may have mixed with alcohol.
- Symptoms they are showing, such as difficulty breathing or unresponsiveness.
Medical professionals would rather respond to a false alarm than arrive too late. If there’s any doubt, call for help.
What NOT to Do
Some common responses to excessive drinking are not only ineffective but can also be dangerous.
- Cold showers – Shock to the system can lead to hypothermia, making things worse.
- Coffee or energy drinks – Caffeine does not speed up alcohol metabolism. It only creates the illusion of alertness while alcohol continues to affect the body.
- Making them walk it off – Alcohol affects coordination and balance. Walking can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
- Forcing food or water – A person with alcohol poisoning may have a suppressed gag reflex, which increases the risk of choking if they try to swallow.
- Letting them “sleep it off” alone – If a person is unconscious, rolling them onto their side in the recovery position can help keep their airway open. Never leave them alone to “sleep it off” without checking for breathing and responsiveness.
Alcohol poisoning is not something the body can simply “push through.” If someone is showing signs of severe intoxication, taking the right steps—calling for help, keeping them awake if possible, and ensuring they are breathing properly—can prevent a tragedy.
Preventing Alcohol Poisoning and High-Risk Drinking
Alcohol poisoning doesn’t happen by accident. It’s often the result of excessive drinking in a short period, whether intentional or unintentional. Understanding how to reduce the risk of dangerous intoxication can help prevent medical emergencies and long-term harm.
Safer Drinking Habits
Alcohol affects everyone differently, but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of drinking past the point of control.
- Pacing alcohol consumption – The body processes alcohol at a fixed rate. Drinking too quickly floods the system, increasing the risk of poisoning. Spacing drinks over time gives the liver a chance to metabolize alcohol safely.
- Avoiding binge drinking – Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time raises blood alcohol concentration (BAC) faster than the body can handle. The higher the BAC, the more likely a person is to experience blackout, vomiting, or life-threatening sedation.
- Not drinking on an empty stomach – Food slows alcohol absorption, reducing the intensity of intoxication. Drinking on an empty stomach causes alcohol to enter the bloodstream more rapidly.
- Being mindful of medications – Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs interact dangerously with alcohol. Sedatives, painkillers, and some antidepressants can amplify alcohol’s effects, increasing the risk of unconsciousness or overdose.
- Setting personal limits – Understanding one’s own tolerance and choosing a stopping point before drinking starts can prevent overconsumption.
Drinking responsibly doesn’t mean eliminating alcohol entirely, but knowing when to stop can make the difference between a mild buzz and a dangerous situation.
When Drinking Becomes a Bigger Problem
For some, the issue isn’t just an occasional night of excessive drinking—it’s a pattern that affects their health, relationships, and decision-making.
- Frequent blackouts or memory gaps – If drinking leads to periods of lost time, it may be a sign of alcohol dependence.
- Ignoring responsibilities due to drinking – Missing work, skipping commitments, or neglecting personal obligations can point to a deeper issue.
- Risky behavior while intoxicated – Driving under the influence, getting into fights, or engaging in unsafe activities while drunk can indicate a lack of control.
- Drinking despite negative consequences – If alcohol use continues even after it’s caused problems—such as health issues, legal trouble, or broken relationships—it may be time to reassess.
Recognizing when drinking has become more than just a social habit is the first step toward change. When alcohol starts to dictate decisions, seeking professional support can provide a path forward. Whether through counseling, outpatient programs, or rehab, help is available for those looking to regain control.
Knowing the Difference Can Save a Life
Being drunk and experiencing alcohol poisoning are not the same, and recognizing the difference can prevent serious harm. A person who is intoxicated may have poor coordination, slurred speech, or impaired judgment, but they are still responsive. Alcohol poisoning, on the other hand, causes life-threatening symptoms such as slow breathing, vomiting while unconscious, and an inability to wake up. If someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, medical attention is needed immediately.
Acting quickly in an emergency can save a life. Assuming someone will “sleep it off” is dangerous, as alcohol poisoning can continue to worsen even after drinking stops. If there’s any doubt, calling for medical help is always the safest choice.
For those who find it difficult to control drinking, support is available. Alcohol misuse doesn’t have to reach the point of medical crisis before seeking help. East Point Recovery Centers offers Day, Half-Day, and Evening outpatient treatment programs for alcohol addiction, providing in-person support in New England and online addiction treatment options for those who need flexible care. Taking the next step toward recovery is possible—help is available for anyone ready to make a change.