Alcohol Poisoning – Diagnosis and Treatment

ByJanis Updated

Diagnosis

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period.

It affects the body’s ability to maintain basic life functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature.

Doctors begin diagnosis with a physical exam, checking for signs such as:

  • Vomiting

  • Confusion or unresponsiveness

  • Slow or irregular breathing

  • Cold or pale skin

  • Seizures

  • Low body temperature

  • Depressed central nervous system activity

To confirm the diagnosis, doctors may order several tests, including:

  • Blood or urine tests to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
  • Blood chemistry panels to assess for electrolyte imbalances.
  • Tests for metabolic acidosis or an elevated anion gap, which indicate serious metabolic disturbance.

  • In suspected cases of toxic alcohol ingestion (like methanol or ethylene glycol), doctors may look for calcium oxalate crystals in the urine and order specific toxicology screenings.

Prompt recognition is critical to prevent coma, organ failure, or death.

Treatment

Treatment for alcohol poisoning focuses on stabilizing the patient and supporting vital functions while the body metabolizes and clears the alcohol.

In a hospital setting, care may include:

  • Monitoring vital signs such as breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and consciousness

  • Administering oxygen if breathing is slow or shallow

  • Giving IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

  • Providing glucose and thiamine (vitamin B1) to prevent complications like seizures or Wernicke’s encephalopathy

In severe cases—especially if toxic alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol) are involved—doctors may use hemodialysis to rapidly remove toxins from the bloodstream.

Airway protection is essential if the person is unconscious or vomiting. In such cases, intubation may be necessary to prevent choking or aspiration.

Healthy Habits and Self-Care at Home

Many people think certain actions help with too much alcohol, but these can be risky and do not work.

Once the person is stable and recovering, follow-up care is important. After discharge, patients may need:

  • Rest and hydration for several days.

  • Nutritional support to restore vitamin and mineral levels

Encouraging education about safe drinking habits can help prevent future incidents.

Many people try home remedies that are not only ineffective but also dangerous in the case of alcohol poisoning.

Avoid these mistakes:

  • Trying to Sleep It Off: The person can lose consciousness instead of recovering.
  • Giving Coffee or Caffeine: These drinks do not reduce alcohol’s effects and can cause harm.
  • Taking a Cold Shower: A sudden temperature change can make the person faint.
  • Encouraging Exercise or Walking: These actions do not help the body remove alcohol faster.

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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.