Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsDiagnosisCausesHealth EffectsTreatmentHow to Cope
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Diagnosis
Causes
Health Effects
Treatment
How to Cope
What Is Intoxication?
Intoxication can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount consumed, speed of ingestion, metabolism, body weight, substance, and other factors.
Signs of Intoxication
Specific signs of intoxication vary depending on the substance ingested (alcohol, marijuana, etc.) However, some of the common symptoms of alcohol intoxication include:
Severe intoxication can lead to a loss of consciousness or even death.
Alcohol and other substances affect people differently. Some experience effects quickly and strongly; those who have developed a tolerance reach this stage only with greater amounts of the substance
Diagnosing Intoxication
Regarding alcohol, the U.S. considers anyone with ablood alcohol concentration (BAC)of 0.08 or higher intoxicated; individual states can set their own stricter limits.
Notably, the signs of intoxication don’t always correlate with BAC levels. Some people may not feel or act intoxicated because of their tolerance levels, but they will still have BAC levels over the legal limit.
Causes of Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication happens when alcohol and its metabolites enter the bloodstream faster than the liver can metabolize them. It is a temporary state that can result in neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular effects.
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the intoxicating substance in wine, beer, and liquor. Ethanol is responsible for intoxication because it has a depressive impact on parts of the brain. As more alcohol is ingested, the ethanol takes greater effect, causing impairments in progressive order.
Many factors impact intoxication. A large proportion of the ethanol in liquor is absorbed into the blood from the stomach and the rest from the small intestine.The longer alcohol stays in the stomach, the longer it takes to be absorbed, lowering the rate of intoxication.
Some people are more prone to intoxication than others. For instance, someone who regularlydrinks heavilymay be able to ingest much larger quantities without being intoxicated than someone who rarely drinks. Other factors impacting intoxication include:
Health Effects of Intoxication
Intoxication can have a number of detrimental health effects. In the case of alcohol, intoxication can lead toalcohol poisoning, increase the risk of vehicle accidents, and can increase a person’s risk for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular problems.
If you experience intoxication regularly, it may be a sign that you have analcohol use disorderorsubstance use disorder.
Treatment for Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is usually treated with support and care as the body processes alcohol. In many cases, symptoms of intoxication will gradually decrease as alcohol is metabolized and eliminated from a person’s system.
If a person is showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning, emergency services should be contacted immediately. Symptoms of this condition include cool skin, confusion, loss of consciousness, hypothermia, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Treatment for alcohol poisoning includes observing vital signs, administering oxygen, and providing IV fluids. In some cases, a person may have their stomach pumped to remove alcohol before it can be absorbed or they may be given activated charcoal to minimize further alcohol absorption.
Coping With Intoxication
When someone is experiencing intoxication, there are strategies that can help them cope and remain safe. Ensuring the individual’s immediate safety is essential, but supportive care as they gradually recover from intoxication is also important.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
11 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bond J, Witbrodt J, Ye Y, Cherpitel CJ, Room R, Monteiro MG.Exploring structural relationships between blood alcohol concentration and signs and clinical assessment of intoxication in alcohol-involved injury cases.Alcohol Alcohol. 2014;49(4):417–422. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agu014
Field M, Wiers RW, Christiansen P, Fillmore MT, Verster JC.Acute alcohol effects on inhibitory control and implicit cognition: Implications for loss of control over drinking.Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2010;34(8):1346–1352. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01218.x
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drinking and driving.
Jung YC, Namkoong K.Alcohol: intoxication and poisoning - diagnosis and treatment.Handb Clin Neurol. 2014;125:115-21. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-62619-6.00007-0
NIDA.Commonly abused drugs.
Cederbaum AI.Alcohol metabolism.Clin Liver Dis. 2012;16(4):667-685. doi:10.1016/j.cld.2012.08.002
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Harmful interactions.
Klein LR, Martel ML, Driver BE, Reing M, Cole JB.Emergency department frequent users for acute alcohol intoxication.West J Emerg Med. 2018;19(2):398-402. doi:10.5811/westjem.2017.10.35052
Cleveland Clinic.Alcohol poisoning.
Harvard Health Publishing.7 steps to cure your hangover.
Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
