How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last? Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol is considered a drug because it has an impact on the way your body functions. Specifically, alcohol depresses your central nervous system.³ That means it can slow down breathing and other essential involuntary activities.

Like any other type of drug overdose, alcohol poisoning has dangerous short-term effects:⁴

• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Clammy skin
• Trouble breathing
• Low heart rate
• Low body temperature
• Loss of consciousness
• Lack of motor control, including the gag reflex
• Seizures

Alcohol is a diuretic,⁵ meaning it affects the way your body processes water. Excessive drinking can cause dehydration, which has additional symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Delerium

Seeking Medical Attention for Alcohol Poisoning

If you or someone near you is showing signs of alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately.

There are many popular misconceptions about alcohol overdose.⁶ But the NIAAA urges people to trust medical experts instead of trying folk remedies: 

“Do not wait for the person to have all the symptoms, and be aware that a person who has passed out can die. Don’t play doctor—cold showers, hot coffee, and walking do not reverse the effects of alcohol overdose and could actually make things worse.”

When first responders arrive, they’ll probably ask several questions:

• How much did the person have to drink?
• How many hours ago did they start drinking?
• Have they taken any other drugs?
• Are they taking any medications?
• Do they have any health issues?

They’ll also perform a quick exam, and probably take the person to the hospital. Treatment for acute alcohol poisoning⁷ usually includes IV fluids and airway protection to make sure they continue breathing.

Recovery Process and Aftercare

It can take many hours to detox from alcohol. Data shows that every time you have a drink, your blood alcohol levels increase quickly,⁸ peaking about an hour later. Then your BAC goes back down slowly over the next 4 hours. But that’s true for every drink you have—so if you drink a lot in one night, you could experience several of these peaks in a row. 

This data describes the average person, so your experience may be different. Medical attention may or may not speed up the recovery process. 

After the alcohol clears from your system, you may feel better right away. No matter how you feel, it’s important to follow up with a medical professional a few days later. Arrive for that appointment clear-headed and ready to talk about your health. They may need to share medical information about what happened while you were intoxicated. They might also need to officially evaluate you for signs of alcohol addiction.

Prevention of Alcohol Poisoning

To avoid alcohol poisoning, experts recommend you have no more than 1 drink per hour.⁹ You can alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or alcohol and water. 

It’s also important to know your limits. If you’re not feeling well, or you haven’t eaten all day, your alcohol tolerance might be lower than usual. There’s no need to “keep up with” the people around you if they’re drinking more heavily. Your body’s limits might just be different from theirs. 

If and when you do drink, you can take certain actions to minimize risks. For example, you can make a plan for how you’ll get home at the end of the night. Choose a designated driver or budget to take a rideshare. Never drive after you’ve been drinking. And if possible, travel with a friend so you can each make sure the other gets home safely. 

Long-Term Effects and Risks of Alcohol Poisoning

Experts say that repeated alcohol poisoning can “interfere with brain development,”¹⁰ especially for teens. While one episode of alcohol overdose may seem like no big deal, this pattern can quickly spiral out of control.

Regular binge drinking increases your risk of alcohol addiction.¹¹ This condition can have very serious effects. For example, excessive drinking can damage your internal organs¹² over time. It can also undermine your relationships, career goals, and mental health. 

If you’re concerned about alcohol addiction, it’s never too early to start recovery. Treatment can help you address the root cause of your behavior and not just the symptoms. This approach helps clients find long-term recovery from alcohol abuse.

Drink Smarter, Not Harder

Alcohol poisoning is a type of drug overdose. It has dangerous short-term effects, and can even be life-threatening. Repeated alcohol overdoses can cause addiction, organ damage, and other serious health problems. 

If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, don’t wait to be sure—get help right away. Immediate medical attention could save their life. To learn more about how to drink responsibly, you can check out these free resources: 

• A guide to safer alcohol consumption, by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation¹³
• Information about the health effects of drinking, by the CDC¹⁴
• Resources from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)¹⁵

Some people can learn to drink safely. Others are at a greater risk of addiction. Your genetics, family history of drinking, and other factors can all play a role. Despite your best efforts, you might still need help recovering from alcohol abuse. 

Connect with a rehab for alcohol addiction to get the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Poisoning