Being able to recognize the difference between alcohol intoxication versus alcohol toxicity can literally be life-saving. Both conditions share some signs and symptoms, but here we will cover what distinguishes alcohol poisoning vs drunkenness.
How the Body Metabolizes Alcohol
The human body is only capable of metabolizing a certain amount of alcohol in a given hour. The liver can process about one ounce of liquor per hour; any more than that results in the non-metabolized alcohol accumulating in the blood. As these levels rise, it can result in alcohol poisoning.
To monitor the amount of alcohol you are consuming, it helps to keep the CDC guideline for safe drinking levels in mind:
- Excessive drinking: 8 or more drinks in a week for women; 15 or more drinks in a week for men.
- Binge drinking: 4 or more drinks in a single occasion for women; 5 or more drinks in a single occasion for men.
What is Alcohol Intoxication?
Signs of alcohol intoxication include:
- Flushed face
- Red, glassy eyes
- Sweating
- Swaying
- Lack of eye focus
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Slowed reactions
- Belligerent behavior
The Blood Alcohol Level Chart (BAL) chart offers a way to monitor the amount of alcohol you are consuming. The blood alcohol level rises along with the number of drinks that are consumed within an hour or two. For instance, a 200-pound man who drinks 6 drinks in two hours will have a .13% BAL. This far exceeds the legal limit of .08%.
This indicates that he is intoxicated and should stop drinking alcohol and switch to drinking water for at least an hour. Taking this time to allow his liver to process the alcohol would eventually allow him to safely operate a vehicle.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is caused by binge drinking, or drinking a large amount of ethyl alcohol in a short period of time. This causes more toxins to build up in the bloodstream than the body can manage. The liver becomes over taxed, and toxins flood the body.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Pale or blue-tinged skin, fingernails, or lips
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Chills or hypothermia
- Mental confusion or disorientation
- Stupor
- Low body temperature
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
The toxins impact all the major organs, but the biggest risk is to the central nervous system. This is what regulates the heart and lung functions. When excess alcohol is in the system, it can lead to suppressed breathing and death.
What to do When Someone Experiences Alcohol Poisoning
According to the CDC, approximately six Americans die of alcohol poisoning per day. Deaths occur because alcohol toxicity depresses the central nervous system, leading to respiratory distress and a reduced heart rate. This may result in the individual possibly choking on his or her vomit, or possibly inhaling it into the lungs. The result is asphyxiation.
For this reason, it is important to stay with the person and to keep them awake until help arrives. Turn them onto their side to help prevent them from choking on their vomit.
Someone exhibiting symptoms of alcohol poisoning vs drunk after heavy drinking is considered a medical emergency. Once transported to ER, the individual will be carefully monitored to assist with breathing and to also prevent choking.
To prevent dehydration, IV fluids that include glucose and certain vitamins are administered, along with oxygen therapy. In some cases, gastric lavage is used to evacuate excess alcohol from the system.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
The DSM-5 has established the term alcohol use disorder as category including various degrees of alcohol misuse. The signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:
- Consuming increasingly higher amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects
- Being obsessed with planning life around drinking and recovering from drinking
- Using alcohol to mitigate stress or negative emotions
- Experiencing blackouts
- Neglecting daily responsibilities
- Lying about their drinking habits
- Withdrawing from friends and family to drink alone
- Declining work performance
- Relationships suffering due to the drinking
- Having alcohol cravings
- Being unable to quit drinking or even cut back
- Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol effects wear off
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox
Individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are ready to enter treatment and commit to sobriety must complete a medically supervised detox. Withdrawal symptoms are carefully monitored and treated throughout the detox process. Symptoms of alcohol detox may include:
- Shakes or tremors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Headache
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fever
- Increase in heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Getting Help for Alcohol Use Disorder
Whether you’ve experienced alcohol poisoning vs drunkenness, it is all part of the spectrum of alcohol use disorders. The residential treatment setting is the recommended level of care for moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. These rehabs offer a more intensive and tailored treatment approach, in addition to providing 24-hour support.
Treatment for alcoholism consists of the following components:
- Psychotherapy. CBT and DBT are effective therapies for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. These evidence-based therapies offer guidance for making positive changes in thought and behavior patterns.
- Group therapy. Small group sessions provide a safe setting for peers in recovery to share openly about their thoughts and feelings. A licensed counselor facilitates discussions related to recovery.
- Medication-assisted treatment. MAT can help individuals in recovery for alcohol use disorder by reducing cravings and the risk of relapse.
- Education. Addiction education, acquiring new coping skills, and relapse prevention planning are covered in various classes.
- Holistic therapy. Holistic activities such as with yoga, guided meditation, art therapy, and mindfulness provide a deeper dimension to the treatment process.
- Aftercare planning. A case manager is assigned to help coordinate your aftercare planning needs, such as outpatient therapy, sober living housing, or other services.
Pacific Bay Recovery Comprehensive Alcoholism Treatment
Pacific Bay Recovery offers the full range of addiction treatment services for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction. If you are needing information regarding alcohol poisoning vs drunk (intoxication), please reach out to our team for guidance. You can reach us at (866) 511-2610.
