What are the signs of alcohol intoxication? How does alcohol affect the body and brain? Get the facts about alcohol impairment, from mild symptoms to life-threatening alcohol poisoning.

Understanding Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication, commonly known as drunkenness, is a temporary condition that occurs when a person consumes an excess of alcohol in a short period. This leads to a range of physical and behavioral symptoms, from mild impairments to potentially life-threatening alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol intoxication is caused by the presence of ethanol, a chemical compound found in alcoholic beverages, which enters the bloodstream and affects various bodily functions. The severity of intoxication depends on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the person’s body weight and metabolism, and their overall health status.

Stages of Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication can be categorized into four main stages, each with its own set of symptoms:

Mild Intoxication

BAC: 0.00% to 0.05%
Symptoms: Mild impairments to speech, memory, balance, and coordination; perceived beneficial effects like relaxation; initial sleepiness.

Moderate Intoxication

BAC: 0.06% to 0.15%
Symptoms: Increased impairments to speech, attention, balance, and coordination; moderate memory impairments; increased risk of aggression and injury; significant impairments to skills necessary for driving; increased perceived beneficial effects.

Severe Intoxication

BAC: 0.16% to 0.30%
Symptoms: Significant impairments to speech, memory, coordination, and balance; significant impairments to judgment and reaction time; dangerous impairments to skills necessary for driving; vomiting; blackouts (amnesia); loss of consciousness.

Life-threatening Intoxication

BAC: 0.31% to 0.45%
Symptoms: Loss of consciousness; danger of a life-threatening alcohol overdose; suppression of vital functions, leading to a significant risk of death.

How Alcohol Affects the Body and Brain

When a person drinks alcohol, the ethanol in the beverage passes through the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through the linings of the stomach and intestines. If alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, the individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) usually peaks within 30-90 minutes.

Once in the bloodstream, ethanol can travel throughout the body and affect various functions. It interferes with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces central nervous system activity. Ethanol also increases levels of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes sleep.

Additionally, alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain, which can lead to alcohol dependence and addiction. Ethanol also interferes with other bodily functions, such as temperature regulation, balance, coordination, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Dangers of Alcohol Intoxication

While the immediate effects of alcohol intoxication can range from mild to severe, long-term alcohol consumption can also jeopardize overall health. The Department of Health and Human Services classifies alcohol as a carcinogen, meaning it can play a role in causing various types of cancer, such as cancers of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is also extremely dangerous and illegal in all U.S. states, with a legal limit of 0.08% BAC. Individuals who drive with a higher BAC risk arrest and put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death.

Seeking Help for Alcohol Intoxication

If an individual experiences severe alcohol intoxication or alcohol poisoning, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms like loss of consciousness, suppression of vital functions, and the risk of death require urgent medical intervention to prevent serious harm or even fatality.

For those struggling with alcohol dependence or addiction, there are various treatment options available, including counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted therapies. Seeking professional help can be an important first step in addressing alcohol misuse and regaining control over one’s health and well-being.

Preventing Alcohol Intoxication

To avoid the risks associated with alcohol intoxication, it is important to consume alcohol in moderation, if at all. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adult men consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, and adult women consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

Additionally, it is crucial to never drive after consuming alcohol, as even a small amount of alcohol can impair one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Designated drivers, ridesharing services, or public transportation should be used if alcohol is consumed.

By understanding the signs and stages of alcohol intoxication, as well as the potential long-term health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, individuals can make informed choices and take the necessary steps to protect their health and safety.