Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Health Education

Alcohol Poisoning (Alcohol Overdose)

Definition - Alcohol poisoning is simply a kinder name for a drug overdose. In fact, the term alcohol poisoning is redundant because the drug, ethyl alcohol, is itself a toxic substance. A more accurate name is alcohol overdose.

Cause - The liver detoxifies approximately one-half ounce of alcohol per hour (less in some people, particularly women.) One-half ounce is roughly the amount in a 12 ounce can of domestic beer, one ounce of 100 Proof liquor, or a 5 ounce glass of wine.

If a person drinks at a rate faster than that, alcohol accumulates in the bloodstream, subsequently affecting judgement and coordination and possibly leading to loss of consciousness. If the person has consumed a sufficient quantity, respiration and blood pressure will decrease as heart rate increases.

Getting Answers

Three simple indications to remember: WALK --> TALK --> FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. If a person is unable to: Walk unassisted, Verbalize appropriately, Follow simple directions; (any one of these) then alcohol poisoning should be suspected. Also, look for slow respiration and cold, clammy, bluish skin.

Overdoses often occur to inexperienced drinkers who consume too much alcohol in a short period of time. Inexperienced drinkers are most vulnerable because they have a low tolerance to alcohol and because they are unfamiliar with its effects.
Experienced drinkers can also develop alcohol poisoning by consuming excessive quantities in a short time span, as may occur in pressured drinking situations such as initiations and contests.

No. Alcohol enters the blood stream within 20 to 40 minutes, so by the time a person throws-up, the alcohol is usually out of the stomach.

No. Less than 5% of the alcohol consumed is eliminated in this manner.

Most of the time, stomach contents are not removed in cases of alcohol overdose. However, on occasion the medical staff may decide to empty the stomach as a precaution to avoid choking if the person is likely to vomit. Also, if other drugs are suspected, the procedure will be done.

Call 911. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency.

When the person goes to bed, the blood alcohol level could be on the rise. The person could, therefore, experience increasing medical distress as time passes. Also, there is always the danger of choking on vomit if the person throws-up while sleeping.

Students taken to the hospital will be released to Whisler Health Center before being discharged back to their dorm. Students might stay just a short time at the hospital or may be kept for observation. Upon returning to Whisler Hall, students usually remain at the Health Center until seen by the physician.
The nurse or physician in Whisler will encourage the student to see a counselor for follow-up. The purpose of seeing a counselor is to be sure the student is okay and to review the circumstances of the overdose to avoid future problems.
The only time judicial action is taken is if a violation of university policy occurs. As with any visit to the Health Center, information is NOT released from either the Health Center or Counseling Center to the school or to parents unless a Consent for Release is signed by the student.