While being drunk can sometimes feel unpleasant, alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Alcohol poisoning, also known as alcohol overdose, is a severe and potentially life threatening condition that occurs when someone drinks a lot of alcohol in a short period.

If left untreated, alcohol poisoning can lead to medical complications (and, in some situations, death).

Differentiating between being drunk and alcohol poisoning is crucial for ensuring appropriate action and care.

Symptoms of being intoxicated or drunk include:

  • difficulty walking
  • slurring speech
  • feeling excessively emotional or happy
  • drowsiness
  • impaired judgment and lack of inhibition
  • nausea and vomiting

Read more about how it feels to be drunk.

Someone with alcohol poisoning may also have the symptoms of intoxication. But they’ll also have symptoms like:

  • severe confusion
  • falling asleep and being unable to wake up (unconsciousness)
  • irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between each breath)
  • slowed breathing (less than 8 breaths in a minute)
  • low body temperature
  • pale or bluish skin
  • seizures
  • significant vomiting

If you notice the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible. Alcohol poisoning can lead to death when left untreated.

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, try to:

  • Get them to an emergency room — if you’re intoxicated, don’t drive them to the hospital; rather, call 911 or emergency services
  • Keep them awake and conscious
  • If they are unconscious, turn them on their side to prevent choking on vomit
  • Don’t leave them alone
  • Monitor their breathing and be ready to perform CPR if necessary

Drink spiking involves adding substances to someone’s drink without their knowledge. If you suspect someone’s drink has been spiked, do the following:

  • Call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room.
  • Stay with them, and don’t leave them alone.
  • Don’t let them drink more.
  • If possible, keep the drink for testing.

Someone who is simply drunk and not showing signs of alcohol poisoning may not need medical attention. However, severe intoxication can still be unpleasant and lead to dangerous behaviors.

In this situation, it’s best to:

  • Stay with them, and don’t leave them alone.
  • Prevent them from engaging in harmful behaviors.
  • Encourage them to drink water to help flush out the alcohol.
  • Keep them warm.
  • Allow them to rest.
  • If they’re vomiting, help them get to a toilet or bucket.

It’s also important to watch for signs of escalation to alcohol poisoning like:

  • loss of consciousness
  • extreme confusion
  • low body temperature

These symptoms are a sign you need to seek medical help for them.

Recognizing the difference between being drunk and alcohol poisoning can save lives.

While intoxication involves manageable symptoms of alcohol use, alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol use, numerous resources can provide help and support. Remember, you don’t need to fit the criteria for alcohol use disorder to benefit from help.

You could try the following:

You may also benefit from reading some of our guides and articles, like:

You can also seek information and support from a local healthcare professional, mental health professional, or rehabilitation facility.

Although alcohol misuse can be difficult to live with, it’s treatable. It’s possible to manage your symptoms well, feel better, and improve your quality of life.

Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.