Summary
- Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that happens when high levels of alcohol shut down vital functions like breathing and heart rate. It’s different—and far more dangerous—than just being drunk.
- BAC levels as low as 0.08% can impair judgment and coordination, but levels above 0.40% can cause coma or death.
- Signs of alcohol poisoning include unconsciousness, slow breathing, cold or blue-tinged skin, and vomiting while passed out—these require immediate medical attention.
- While mild to moderate intoxication may cause slurred speech or loss of coordination, severe symptoms indicate life-threatening alcohol toxicity.
- To help someone with alcohol poisoning, call 911, stay with them, roll them on their side, and keep them warm—don’t try to “sober them up.”
Plenty of people drink to the point of feeling drunk—but how do you know when it crosses the line into something more dangerous?
Any amount of alcohol can negatively impact your health, but alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that can be fatal without fast treatment. However, it can sometimes be hard to tell alcohol poisoning apart from someone who’s just “had a bit too much to drink.”
This guide explains how to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning, how it’s different from simply being drunk, and what to do if you think someone’s in danger.
To find help quitting or cutting back on drinking, call our 24/7 national hotline at (855) 955-0771. Someone at Alcohol Awareness will refer you to programs and support groups in your state that can help you or someone you love move past alcohol addiction and towards a healthier life.
What Defines Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning (also called ethanol toxicity) happens when there’s so much alcohol in a person’s bloodstream that it becomes clinically harmful. It can be acute or chronic.
- Acute alcohol poisoning usually occurs when someone drinks a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time—often referred to as binge drinking.
- Chronic alcohol toxicity involves building up a tolerance so that larger amounts of alcohol are required to induce a typical level of intoxication. Chronic alcoholics are often able to remain alert when their blood alcohol levels would be high enough to cause coma or even death in other people. They also face a much higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms (like seizures and hallucinations) when they stop drinking.
BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) & Alcohol Toxicity
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the key factor. A BAC of 0.08% is considered legally impaired in many places, but consuming any amount of alcohol impacts your health. Here’s a chart showing common health effects at different BAC levels:
| BAC Level | Description | Effects |
| 0.0% | Sober | Normal physical and mental function |
| 0.08% | Legally intoxicated | Impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time |
| 0.08% to 0.40% | Very impaired | Difficulty walking and speaking, confusion, nausea, drowsiness |
| Above 0.40% | At risk for serious complications | Potential for coma, unconsciousness, or death |
Life-threatening effects occur when alcohol starts to suppress essential bodily functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature regulation. In severe cases, this can cause a loss of consciousness, coma, or even death.
Common Symptoms of Being Drunk vs. Poisoned
It’s normal for someone who’s drunk to be clumsy, loud, or overly affectionate. But alcohol poisoning presents more serious and dangerous symptoms. Here’s another chart—one that breaks down how to spot the differences between different levels of intoxication:
| Level of Intoxication | Signs & Symptoms |
| Mild |
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| Moderate |
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| Severe |
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If someone is passed out and you can’t wake them, assume it’s alcohol poisoning and take immediate action. Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room as soon as you possibly can.
Seeking Medical Help for Alcohol Poisoning
If you’re unsure whether someone is “just drunk” or in real danger, always err on the side of caution.
Call 911 right away if:
- The person is unconscious or semi-conscious and not waking up
- They’re vomiting while passed out
- Their breathing is irregular or shallow
- Their skin is cold, pale, or blue
- They’ve had a seizure
Waiting to “see if they sleep it off” can cost someone their life. Emergency medical professionals can provide oxygen, fluids, and other critical treatments that save lives.
How to Help Someone with Alcohol Poisoning
Here’s what you can do while waiting for help:
- As mentioned above, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait—get emergency responders on the way.
- Stay with them. Never leave someone alone to “sleep it off.” Monitor their breathing and pulse.
- Roll them on their side. This helps prevent choking if they vomit.
- Keep them warm. Use a jacket or blanket to help prevent hypothermia.
- Tell responders what they drank. If you know what they drank, how much, or when, share that with EMS.
Never try to sober someone up with cold showers, coffee, or walking around. These don’t reverse alcohol poisoning—and they can actually make things worse.
Make Informed Choices about Alcohol Use & Put Health First
Alcohol poisoning can do much more than lead to a bad hangover—it could cause a potentially fatal overdose. While being mild or moderately intoxicated might pass with sleep and hydration, alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical help.
If you or someone you know regularly drinks to the point of blackout, passes out, or binge drinks frequently, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. No amount of alcohol is risk-free—and for many people, the risks can be deadly.
Cutting back or quitting can be difficult, but you don’t have to struggle with alcohol abuse alone. To get help, call our free 24/7 hotline at (855) 955-0771. We’re here to put you in touch with the support you need to stay safe and protect your future.