Alcohol can affect judgment and coordination at low doses.
If you want a broader view of how alcohol impacts the brain and body beyond intoxication alone, see our guide on how alcohol affects the body.
At higher doses, it can interfere with breathing and consciousness. Alcohol poisoning (sometimes called an alcohol overdose) is a medical emergency. It happens when alcohol in the bloodstream begins to shut down life-support functions such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature control.
For a federal overview of why alcohol overdose (often called alcohol poisoning) can shut down breathing and other vital functions, see NIAAA’s guide to alcohol overdose danger signs.
If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning, it is safer to get emergency help right away than to wait for “proof.” Major warning signs include an inability to wake up, slow or irregular breathing, repeated vomiting, seizures, or very cold/clammy skin.
Key Takeaways
- Know the emergency: Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency where alcohol can suppress breathing, awareness, and other vital functions.
- Spot warning signs: Trouble staying awake, slow or irregular breathing, repeated vomiting, seizures, or cold/blue-tinged skin are urgent red flags.
- Understand BAC terms: “BAC,” “blood alcohol concentration,” and “blood alcohol level” all describe how much alcohol is in the bloodstream.
- Use charts carefully: A blood alcohol chart can help explain typical effects, but risk varies by person and symptoms matter more than the number.
- Know risk patterns: Alcohol poisoning often follows rapid, heavy drinking, high-strength pours, or mixing alcohol with other sedating substances.
- Act right away: If alcohol poisoning is suspected, call emergency services and monitor breathing—do not rely on home “fixes” like coffee or cold showers.
- Watch next-day issues: Severe or persistent symptoms the next day (like ongoing vomiting or confusion) may need urgent medical evaluation, not just rest.
- Plan supportive recovery: After medical stabilization, structured recovery housing can help reduce relapse risk and support safer routines and follow-through with care.
- Check common FAQs: The FAQ section addresses common questions about symptoms, what BAC means, and when intoxication becomes dangerous.
Overview: what alcohol poisoning is
Alcohol poisoning is severe alcohol intoxication. The body absorbs alcohol quickly, but it clears alcohol more slowly. As alcohol levels rise, alcohol depresses the central nervous system. Alcohol poisoning effects can include slowed breathing, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness. At high enough levels, a person may be unable to stay awake, breathe normally, or protect their airway if they vomit.
Alcohol poisoning can happen from beer, wine, or liquor. It can also happen if someone consumes products that contain ethanol (the type of alcohol in beverages), such as some mouthwashes or medicines.
Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning
Alcohol intoxication symptoms and alcohol poisoning symptoms can overlap. For that reason, it helps to look for “danger signs.” Signs of alcohol poisoning suggest that alcohol is slowing the body in ways that can become life-threatening.
MedlinePlus also lists severe ethanol poisoning symptoms such as slowed breathing, decreased alertness, confusion, and vomiting, which can signal an emergency: Ethanol poisoning (MedlinePlus).
What are the 5 signs of alcohol poisoning?
People often ask for “what are the 5 signs of alcohol poisoning.” A short list cannot cover every situation. Still, these five red flags are common:
- Trouble staying conscious (hard to wake up)
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Repeated vomiting, especially when very drowsy
- Seizures
- Pale, bluish, or clammy skin and low body temperature
How do you know if you have alcohol poisoning?
If you are asking “how do you know if you have alcohol poisoning,” or “how to tell if you have alcohol poisoning,” it may mean symptoms feel more intense than expected. A key issue is that many people with alcohol poisoning cannot accurately judge their own condition.
Alcohol poisoning is possible if a person:
- Cannot stay awake, cannot be awakened, or is confused and not improving
- Has slow breathing, irregular breathing, or long pauses between breaths
- Keeps vomiting, or vomits while barely responsive
- Has a seizure
- Looks very pale, gray, blue-tinged, or feels unusually cold
What does alcohol poisoning feel like?
What alcohol poisoning feels like varies. People may describe severe dizziness, confusion, nausea that will not settle, or drifting in and out of awareness. Some also feel very cold. Because insight can be impaired, “feelings” alone are not a reliable safety test.
What does alcohol poisoning look like?
From the outside, alcohol poisoning may look like slurred or incoherent speech, inability to stand, repeated vomiting, slowed responses, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness.
Alcohol intoxication symptoms vs. “mild alcohol poisoning”
Alcohol intoxication symptoms can include lowered judgment, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination. The alcohol poisoning refers to a more dangerous state where essential functions are threatened. The phrase “mild alcohol poisoning” is sometimes used informally to describe severe drunkenness. Clinically, alcohol poisoning is treated as potentially life-threatening.
Alcohol levels in the body: BAC, blood alcohol level, and meaning
BAC stands for blood alcohol concentration (also called blood alcohol content). You may also see “blood alcohol level,” “blood alcohol,” or “alcohol percentage in blood.” They refer to the same idea: how much alcohol is in the bloodstream.
What does BAC mean?
“What does BAC mean?” BAC is a measure of alcohol in the blood, usually written as a percentage like 0.08%. A 0.08 BAC means 0.08% alcohol in the blood, not 8%.
What does blood alcohol concentration mean?
“What does blood alcohol concentration mean?” It describes how concentrated alcohol is in blood. It is often expressed as grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood (or per 100 mL).
What is blood alcohol concentration?
If you are searching “what is blood alcohol concentration,” it is simply another way to say BAC. BAC can be estimated by breath testing or measured directly with a blood test.
Normal BAC and normal blood alcohol level
A “normal BAC” or “normal blood alcohol level” for a person who has not been drinking is 0.00%. There is no healthy target BAC. Higher numbers generally mean more impairment and more risk.
What blood alcohol content is drunk?
People also ask “what blood alcohol content is drunk” or “what is drunk blood alcohol level.” There is no single BAC where every person will look or feel “drunk.” In the U.S., 0.08% is commonly used as the legal limit for driving for adults 21+. Impairment can begin before that level.
Blood alcohol chart: typical effects and risk by BAC levels
A blood alcohol chart is a rough guide, not a prediction. Two people with the same blood alcohol level can look different. A person’s condition can worsen after they stop drinking, because alcohol may keep absorbing from the stomach and intestines.
Below is a simplified blood alcohol chart of BAC levels and common effects:
| BAC range (approx.) | What it may look like |
|---|---|
| 0.02%–0.05% | Relaxation, lower judgment, reduced coordination. |
| Around 0.08% | Clear impairment; driving is unsafe and illegal in many places. |
| 0.10%–0.15% | Slurred speech, slowed thinking, major balance problems; nausea/vomiting may occur. |
| 0.15%–0.30% | Confusion, heavy drowsiness, vomiting; risk rises quickly. |
| 0.30%–0.40% | Alcohol poisoning likely; loss of consciousness can occur. |
| Over 0.40% | Often described as a potentially deadly blood alcohol level; coma and death can occur. |
This table reflects ranges described in clinical and public health references, but individuals vary.
A “deadly blood alcohol level” is not one fixed number for everyone. Severity depends on the person and the situation. The safest approach is symptom-based: if someone cannot be awakened or is not breathing normally, seek emergency care regardless of the measured BAC.
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How can you get alcohol poisoning?
People commonly search “how can you get alcohol poisoning.” Some searches also phrase it as “how to get alcohol poisoning.” This article does not explain how to cause harm. It explains how alcohol poisoning can happen unintentionally and how to reduce risk.
Alcohol poisoning happens when the body absorbs alcohol faster than it can clear it, so blood alcohol concentration keeps rising.
If episodes of severe intoxication keep happening or drinking feels hard to control, our guide to AUD meaning explains the DSM-5 criteria and common alcohol addiction warning signs.
Drinking too much, too quickly
Rapid, heavy drinking is a common pathway. Binge drinking patterns can push BAC to 0.08% and higher, and continued drinking can push far beyond that. BAC can keep rising even after a person passes out because absorption continues.
Alcohol percentage in drinks and why it matters
Alcohol strength is usually listed as ABV (alcohol by volume). High-ABV products and large pours can deliver more alcohol than a person expects. Mixed drinks can also contain more than one “standard drink.”
Mixing alcohol with medications or drugs
Alcohol is a depressant. Using it with opioids, sleep medications, anti-anxiety medications, or other sedating drugs can increase overdose risk because these substances can suppress breathing when combined.
Other risk factors
Several factors can raise risk, including lower body weight, drinking on an empty stomach, faster drinking, younger age, and certain health conditions.
What to do if you suspect alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If someone cannot be awakened, has seizures, or is breathing irregularly, call emergency services.
The CDC highlights life-threatening signs like seizures, hypothermia, and dangerously slow or irregular breathing, reinforcing why urgent help matters: CDC Vital Signs: Alcohol poisoning deaths (PDF).
Immediate steps while waiting for help
- Call 911 (or your local emergency number).
- Stay with the person and watch breathing.
- If they are unconscious or very drowsy, place them on their side (recovery position) to reduce choking risk.
- Keep them warm with a blanket or jacket.
What not to do
Do not rely on coffee, cold showers, or “walking it off,” and do not try to make the person vomit. These actions do not reverse alcohol poisoning. They can increase risk.
Alcohol poisoning symptoms next day
“Alcohol poisoning symptoms next day” is a common search because next-day problems can be hard to interpret. A typical hangover may include headache, nausea, thirst, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. Alcohol poisoning is different. It is defined by toxic effects that can threaten breathing and consciousness.
If someone decides to stop drinking after a heavy period, withdrawal can be a separate safety issue; this alcohol withdrawal timeline explains what can feel worse first and when medical care matters.
Possible next-day side effects of alcohol poisoning
Some people still have symptoms after a severe episode. These can include ongoing nausea or vomiting, shakiness, confusion, weakness, and dehydration. These symptoms can overlap with a hangover, so duration and severity matter.
When to seek care the next day
Seek urgent or emergency evaluation if vomiting continues, the person cannot keep fluids down, confusion persists, breathing feels abnormal, fainting occurs, or there is concern about injury (such as a fall or head injury) during intoxication.
If the goal is to cut back or quit after a scary episode, this guide on when alcohol cravings stop explains a realistic timeline and why structured support can make cravings easier to manage.
Diagnosis and treatment
Healthcare teams diagnose alcohol poisoning based on symptoms and history. They may check a blood alcohol level (BAC). They may also check lab values such as electrolytes and blood sugar.
Treatment depends on severity and may include monitoring, IV fluids, oxygen support, and other interventions to protect breathing and address complications.
After medical stabilization, many people benefit from structured follow-up care, and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can provide ongoing therapy and relapse-prevention support while someone continues daily responsibilities.
How Eudaimonia Recovery Homes Can Support Recovery After Alcohol Poisoning
Eudaimonia Recovery Homes can support people who are concerned about Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms and BAC Levels by helping them move from a crisis moment into a safer, more stable recovery plan. If alcohol poisoning is suspected, the first step is always emergency care, because recovery housing is not a substitute for medical treatment. After someone is medically stabilized, Eudaimonia can provide a structured, substance-free living environment where residents can focus on reducing alcohol-related risks and building consistent routines. Many people benefit from peer support and day-to-day accountability, especially after a serious scare that highlights how quickly alcohol levels can become dangerous.
The home setting can also make it easier to attend outpatient treatment, counseling, or support meetings by offering stability and predictable expectations. Staff and peer leadership can encourage practical relapse-prevention habits, like planning for high-risk situations and learning early warning signs of returning heavy use. Residents can also be supported in connecting with clinical providers for ongoing care, including evaluation for alcohol use disorder when appropriate. Over time, a consistent recovery environment can help people rebuild judgment and coping skills so they are less likely to return to patterns that increase the chance of severe intoxication or poisoning.
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Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms and BAC FAQ
What are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning (sometimes called alcohol overdose) can include confusion, vomiting, seizures, trouble staying awake, slow or irregular breathing, slow heart rate, and skin that looks pale or bluish. These symptoms can signal that alcohol is interfering with basic life-support functions. If alcohol poisoning is suspected, it should be treated as a medical emergency.
What are the 5 signs of alcohol poisoning?
Many public health and medical resources emphasize warning signs such as:
- Being very hard to wake up or unconscious
- Vomiting (especially if the person is very drowsy or not fully awake)
- Slow breathing (for example, fewer than 8 breaths per minute) or irregular breathing
- Seizures
- Pale, blue, or cold/clammy skin
Any one of these can be a reason to seek urgent medical help.
How do you know if you have alcohol poisoning (or if someone else does)?
Alcohol poisoning is more than feeling “very drunk.” A key clue is a shift toward dangerous symptoms—such as repeated vomiting, worsening confusion, inability to stay awake, or slow/irregular breathing. Because impairment can progress even after the person stops drinking, it is safer to treat severe symptoms as an emergency rather than trying to “wait it out.”
What does alcohol poisoning feel like?
People may feel severely disoriented, extremely drowsy, nauseated, or unable to think clearly. Some may not remember what happened, may have trouble standing or walking, or may become difficult to wake. The experience can vary, and the most serious cases involve reduced consciousness and slowed breathing.
What does alcohol poisoning look like?
Alcohol poisoning can look like a person who cannot stay awake, cannot respond normally, is vomiting repeatedly, or is breathing unusually slowly or irregularly. Skin may appear pale or bluish, and the person may be cold to the touch. Seizures or collapse are urgent warning signs.
How can you get alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning most often happens when a person drinks a large amount in a short time, causing alcohol to rise to toxic levels in the bloodstream. Risk is higher with binge drinking, drinking on an empty stomach, mixing alcohol with other substances that increase sedation, or using high-strength drinks quickly. Individual factors (body size, metabolism, medications, and health conditions) can also change risk.
What should you do if you suspect alcohol poisoning?
Seek emergency medical help right away (for example, call 911 in the U.S.). While waiting, do not leave the person alone, and if vomiting occurs, position them to reduce choking risk. Do not assume the person will “sleep it off,” because alcohol levels can continue to rise and breathing can slow dangerously.
What is the difference between alcohol intoxication and alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol intoxication is impairment from alcohol that can range from mild to severe. Alcohol poisoning refers to a dangerous, potentially life-threatening level of intoxication where alcohol begins to shut down vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature control. In practice, the difference is based on severity and the presence of emergency warning signs.
What does BAC mean?
BAC stands for “blood alcohol concentration” (also called blood alcohol content). It is a measure of the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream and is used in medical and legal contexts to estimate impairment.
What does blood alcohol concentration mean (and what is “blood alcohol level”)?
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood, usually expressed as a percentage (for example, 0.08%). “Blood alcohol level” is a commonly used phrase that refers to the same measurement in many contexts.
