Signs of alcohol impairment. Alcohol Intoxication: Signs, Symptoms, and Health Impacts Explained
What are the stages of alcohol intoxication. How does alcohol affect the body and brain. What are the long-term health risks associated with alcohol consumption. How can you recognize and respond to alcohol poisoning.
Understanding Alcohol Intoxication: From Mild to Severe
Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person consumes more alcohol than their liver can process efficiently. The severity of intoxication depends on various factors, including the amount and rate of alcohol consumption, as well as individual characteristics such as body weight, genetics, and tolerance. Let’s explore the different stages of alcohol intoxication and their associated symptoms.
Mild Intoxication (BAC 0.00% to 0.05%)
At this stage, individuals may experience:
- Slight impairments in speech and memory
- Minor balance and coordination issues
- Reduced attention span
- Initial feelings of drowsiness
- Perceived positive effects, such as relaxation
Moderate Intoxication (BAC 0.06% to 0.15%)
As alcohol consumption increases, symptoms become more pronounced:
- Further impairment of speech, attention, balance, and coordination
- Moderate memory issues
- Increased risk of aggressive behavior in some individuals
- Higher likelihood of injury to self and others
- Significant impairment of driving skills
- Enhanced perception of alcohol’s beneficial effects
Severe Intoxication (BAC 0.16% to 0.30%)
At this dangerous level, individuals may experience:
- Severe impairments in speech, memory, coordination, and balance
- Significantly impaired judgment and reaction time
- Extremely dangerous driving impairment
- Vomiting
- Blackouts (amnesia)
- Loss of consciousness
Life-Threatening Intoxication (BAC 0.31% to 0.45%)
This critical stage requires immediate medical attention and can lead to:
- Prolonged loss of consciousness
- Suppression of vital functions
- Significant risk of death
It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms and seek medical help if severe intoxication is suspected. In the United States, driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal in all states, emphasizing the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.
The Science Behind Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
To understand alcohol intoxication fully, we need to examine how alcohol interacts with our body systems. Ethanol, the primary intoxicating component in alcoholic beverages, affects various bodily functions as it moves through our system.
Alcohol Absorption and Distribution
When a person consumes alcohol, ethanol molecules pass through the digestive system and enter the bloodstream via the stomach and intestinal linings. The rate of absorption can vary, but on an empty stomach, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) typically peaks within 30-90 minutes after consumption.
Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain
Once in the bloodstream, ethanol travels throughout the body, significantly affecting brain function. It interferes with the balance of neurotransmitters in several ways:
- Increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, reducing central nervous system activity
- Elevates adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness
- Stimulates dopamine release, creating feelings of euphoria and potentially leading to alcohol dependence
Other Bodily Functions Affected by Alcohol
Alcohol’s influence extends beyond the brain, impacting various physiological processes:
- Temperature regulation
- Balance and coordination
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Speech articulation
- Decision-making abilities
Understanding these effects helps explain the progression of symptoms as intoxication levels increase.
Long-Term Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption
While the immediate effects of alcohol intoxication are well-documented, it’s equally important to consider the long-term health implications of regular alcohol consumption. Even if a person doesn’t experience adverse effects immediately, prolonged alcohol use can lead to serious health concerns.
Alcohol as a Carcinogen
The Department of Health and Human Services classifies alcohol as a carcinogen, a substance capable of causing cancer. Medical research has linked alcohol consumption to several types of cancer, including:
- Mouth cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
The risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption.
Other Long-Term Health Risks
Beyond its carcinogenic properties, prolonged alcohol use can lead to numerous other health issues:
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
- Neurological disorders, including dementia and nerve damage
- Mental health issues, like depression and anxiety
- Weakened immune system
- Digestive problems
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
These long-term risks underscore the importance of moderate and responsible alcohol consumption.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Metabolism and Intoxication
The rate at which the body processes alcohol and the severity of intoxication can vary significantly from person to person. Several factors contribute to these individual differences:
Genetic Factors
Genetic variations can affect how efficiently the body metabolizes alcohol. Some individuals may have genetic predispositions that cause them to process alcohol more slowly or quickly than others.
Body Weight and Composition
Generally, individuals with higher body weight can tolerate more alcohol before showing signs of intoxication. However, body composition also plays a role, as alcohol is distributed in body water. This means that two people of the same weight but different body fat percentages may experience different levels of intoxication from the same amount of alcohol.
Gender Differences
On average, women tend to become intoxicated more quickly than men, even when consuming the same amount of alcohol relative to body weight. This is due to several factors:
- Women typically have a higher percentage of body fat and less body water than men
- Women generally have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the stomach
- Hormonal differences can affect alcohol metabolism
Health Status
Overall health and the presence of certain medical conditions can influence how the body processes alcohol. Liver function, in particular, plays a crucial role in alcohol metabolism.
Alcohol Tolerance
Regular drinkers may develop a tolerance to alcohol, meaning they require more alcohol to achieve the same effects. However, tolerance does not protect against the harmful effects of alcohol on the body.
Food Consumption
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach leads to faster absorption and higher BAC levels. Consuming food before or while drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
Understanding these factors can help individuals make more informed decisions about their alcohol consumption and recognize their personal limits.
Recognizing and Responding to Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially life-threatening consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. It occurs when a person drinks a toxic amount of alcohol, usually over a short period. Recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning and responding appropriately can be crucial in preventing fatal outcomes.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Key indicators of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
- Blue-tinged or pale skin
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
Immediate Response to Alcohol Poisoning
If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Stay with the person until help arrives
- Try to keep them awake and sitting up
- If they’re unconscious, put them in the recovery position to prevent choking
- Keep them warm
- Do not try to make them vomit, as this could lead to choking
- If they’re conscious, try to give them water
- Be prepared to provide CPR if breathing stops
Remember, alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires professional treatment. Never assume that an unconscious person will “sleep it off.”
Strategies for Responsible Alcohol Consumption
While abstaining from alcohol is the only way to completely avoid its risks, many people choose to drink in moderation. Here are some strategies for more responsible alcohol consumption:
Understand Standard Drink Sizes
In the United States, a standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This translates to:
- 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 fluid ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
Being aware of these measurements can help you track your alcohol intake more accurately.
Set Personal Limits
Decide on a maximum number of drinks you’ll consume before you start drinking, and stick to it. Consider factors like your body weight, plans for the evening, and how you’ll get home safely.
Pace Yourself
Try to drink no more than one standard drink per hour. Alternate between alcoholic beverages and water or other non-alcoholic drinks to slow your consumption and stay hydrated.
Eat Before and While Drinking
Having food in your stomach can slow alcohol absorption and reduce its effects. Choose protein-rich foods and complex carbohydrates.
Know Your Medications
Many medications can interact dangerously with alcohol. Always check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions.
Plan for Safe Transportation
If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or call a taxi or ride-sharing service. Never drink and drive.
Be Aware of Peer Pressure
Don’t let others pressure you into drinking more than you’re comfortable with. It’s okay to say no or to nurse a single drink throughout an event.
Consider Alcohol-Free Activities
Explore social activities and events that don’t revolve around alcohol consumption. This can help reduce your overall alcohol intake and promote a healthier lifestyle.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy social situations while minimizing the risks associated with alcohol consumption. Remember, responsible drinking is about making informed choices that prioritize your health and safety.
The Role of Support Systems in Managing Alcohol Use
For individuals struggling with alcohol use or those seeking to maintain responsible drinking habits, support systems play a crucial role. These networks can provide encouragement, accountability, and resources for managing alcohol consumption.
Family and Friends
Close relationships can offer emotional support and help in maintaining healthy habits. Open communication with loved ones about your goals regarding alcohol use can create a supportive environment.
Professional Support
Healthcare providers, therapists, and counselors specializing in substance use can offer valuable guidance and treatment options. They can help develop personalized strategies for managing alcohol consumption or addressing alcohol use disorders.
Support Groups
Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery provide peer support for individuals looking to reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption. These groups offer a sense of community and shared experiences.
Workplace Programs
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counseling and support for alcohol-related issues. These programs can be valuable resources for those seeking help while maintaining their professional lives.
Online Resources
Numerous websites, apps, and online communities offer support, information, and tools for managing alcohol use. These digital resources can provide 24/7 access to help and information.
Engaging with these support systems can significantly improve outcomes for individuals looking to change their relationship with alcohol. Whether the goal is moderation or abstinence, having a strong support network increases the likelihood of success.
Alcohol intoxication: Signs, symptoms, and treatment
Alcohol intoxication refers to a temporary condition that occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol at one time.
Alcohol intoxication causes physical and behavioral symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Although people can safely consume alcohol without experiencing immediate adverse health effects, long term alcohol consumption can jeopardize overall health.
The Department of Health and Human Services classifies alcohol as a carcinogen, a substance that plays a role in causing cancer. The medical community has linked alcohol with numerous types of cancer, such as cancers of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus.
Keep reading to learn more about alcohol intoxication, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Share on PinterestOver time, alcohol can cause damage throughout the body.
Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol in one period.
A standard serving of alcohol in the United States is 0.6 fluid ounces (fl oz) or 14 grams (g) of pure alcohol. This translates to the following single servings of standard alcoholic drinks:
- 12 fl oz of beer with a 5% alcohol content
- 5 fl oz of wine with a 12% alcohol content
- 1.5 fl oz of a distilled spirit with a 40% alcohol content
The liver removes alcohol from the bloodstream, but it can only filter out so much at once.
The rate at which the body metabolizes alcohol varies from person to person, depending on factors such as:
- genetics
- body weight
- body size
- health status
- alcohol tolerance
- sex
When a person drinks more alcohol than their liver can process, ethanol molecules start accumulating in the body. This can damage tissue cells and organs.
The symptoms of alcohol intoxication range from mild to severe, depending on how much alcohol a person consumes and how quickly their body metabolizes it.
These symptoms often occur in stages, depending on how intoxicated a person is. The table below shows common symptoms at each level of alcohol intoxication.
This data comes from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It includes information about blood alcohol concentration or content (BAC) — a common way to measure intoxication for medical or legal purposes. BAC refers to how much alcohol is in the bloodstream.
Intoxication Stage | BAC | Symptoms |
Mild | 0.00% to 0.05% | mild impairments to speech and memory mild impairments to balance and coordination mild impairments to attention initial sleepiness perceived beneficial effects, such as relaxation |
Moderate | 0.06% to 0.15% | increased impairments to speech and attention increased impairments to balance and coordination moderate memory impairments increased risk of aggression, in some people increased risk of injury to self and others significant impairments to skills necessary for driving increase in perceived beneficial effects of alcohol, such as relaxation |
Severe | 0. 16% to 0.30% | significant impairments to speech and memory significant impairments to 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 | 0.31% to 0.45% | loss of consciousness danger of a life threatening alcohol overdose suppression of vital functions, leading to a significant risk of death |
People can get individualized BAC estimates using this calculator.
In every U.S. state, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of over 0.08%. A person who drives with a higher BAC is at risk of arrest.
In alcoholic drinks, a chemical compound called ethanol is responsible for the symptoms associated with intoxication. Numerous commercial and household products, such as mouthwash, perfume, and gasoline, also contain ethanol.
When a person drinks alcohol, ethanol passes through the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through the linings of the stomach and intestines. If an individual drinks alcohol on an empty stomach, their BAC usually peaks within 30–90 minutes.
Once ethanol is inside the bloodstream, it can travel throughout the body, affecting various functions.
Ethanol interferes with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid. This amino acid, often called GABA, reduces central nervous system activity.
Ethanol also increases levels of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes sleep.
People may feel euphoric while drinking alcohol because ethanol stimulates the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain. This effect on the brain’s dopamine system can lead to alcohol dependence.
Alcohol also interferes with several other bodily functions, such as:
- temperature regulation
- balance and coordination
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- speech
- decision making
- digestion
- reproductive health
- immune function
Learn more about the short- and long-term effects of alcohol consumption here.
A person can usually tell when they are intoxicated, but it may be challenging to spot the signs in others.
To gauge another person’s level of intoxication, try looking for the following signs:
- a loss of coordination, such as stumbling or swaying
- flushing of the face
- bloodshot eyes
- louder speech than usual
- slurred speech
- damp or clammy skin
- mood swings or personality changes, such as aggression or depression
- drowsiness
- slowed reflexes
- vomiting
- a loss of consciousness
Learn more about alcohol and brain damage here.
People cannot treat severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — at home. If anyone shows signs of severe intoxication, contact emergency services immediately. In the U.S., call 911.
Follow these steps while waiting for professional assistance:
- If the person is conscious and can swallow, give them water, and have them lie on their side. This helps prevent the person from choking if they vomit.
- If the person is unconscious, turn them on their side.
In the emergency room, a doctor will check their BAC and look for other signs of alcohol poisoning, such as a slow heart rate and low blood sugar and electrolyte levels.
A healthcare professional will monitor the person’s vital signs while they recover. The doctor or nurse may also:
- administer fluids intravenously — with an IV — to prevent dehydration
- administer vitamins and sugar to treat low blood sugar
- insert a breathing tube to open the airways and provide more oxygen to the body
- pump the stomach to rid the body of excess alcohol
Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol in a short period.
A low level of alcohol intoxication causes mild symptoms, while severe intoxication, or alcohol poisoning, can be life threatening. It requires immediate medical attention.
People can survive alcohol poisoning if they receive appropriate treatment. However, recovery sometimes takes several weeks or months.
Alcohol intoxication: Signs, symptoms, and treatment
Alcohol intoxication refers to a temporary condition that occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol at one time.
Alcohol intoxication causes physical and behavioral symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Although people can safely consume alcohol without experiencing immediate adverse health effects, long term alcohol consumption can jeopardize overall health.
The Department of Health and Human Services classifies alcohol as a carcinogen, a substance that plays a role in causing cancer. The medical community has linked alcohol with numerous types of cancer, such as cancers of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus.
Keep reading to learn more about alcohol intoxication, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Share on PinterestOver time, alcohol can cause damage throughout the body.
Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol in one period.
A standard serving of alcohol in the United States is 0.6 fluid ounces (fl oz) or 14 grams (g) of pure alcohol. This translates to the following single servings of standard alcoholic drinks:
- 12 fl oz of beer with a 5% alcohol content
- 5 fl oz of wine with a 12% alcohol content
- 1.5 fl oz of a distilled spirit with a 40% alcohol content
The liver removes alcohol from the bloodstream, but it can only filter out so much at once.
The rate at which the body metabolizes alcohol varies from person to person, depending on factors such as:
- genetics
- body weight
- body size
- health status
- alcohol tolerance
- sex
When a person drinks more alcohol than their liver can process, ethanol molecules start accumulating in the body. This can damage tissue cells and organs.
The symptoms of alcohol intoxication range from mild to severe, depending on how much alcohol a person consumes and how quickly their body metabolizes it.
These symptoms often occur in stages, depending on how intoxicated a person is. The table below shows common symptoms at each level of alcohol intoxication.
This data comes from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It includes information about blood alcohol concentration or content (BAC) — a common way to measure intoxication for medical or legal purposes. BAC refers to how much alcohol is in the bloodstream.
Intoxication Stage | BAC | Symptoms |
Mild | 0.00% to 0.05% | mild impairments to speech and memory mild impairments to balance and coordination mild impairments to attention initial sleepiness perceived beneficial effects, such as relaxation |
Moderate | 0. 06% to 0.15% | increased impairments to speech and attention increased impairments to balance and coordination moderate memory impairments increased risk of aggression, in some people increased risk of injury to self and others significant impairments to skills necessary for driving increase in perceived beneficial effects of alcohol, such as relaxation |
Severe | 0.16% to 0.30% | significant impairments to speech and memory significant impairments to 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 | 0.31% to 0.45% | loss of consciousness danger of a life threatening alcohol overdose suppression of vital functions, leading to a significant risk of death |
People can get individualized BAC estimates using this calculator.
In every U.S. state, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of over 0.08%. A person who drives with a higher BAC is at risk of arrest.
In alcoholic drinks, a chemical compound called ethanol is responsible for the symptoms associated with intoxication. Numerous commercial and household products, such as mouthwash, perfume, and gasoline, also contain ethanol.
When a person drinks alcohol, ethanol passes through the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through the linings of the stomach and intestines. If an individual drinks alcohol on an empty stomach, their BAC usually peaks within 30–90 minutes.
Once ethanol is inside the bloodstream, it can travel throughout the body, affecting various functions.
Ethanol interferes with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid. This amino acid, often called GABA, reduces central nervous system activity.
Ethanol also increases levels of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes sleep.
People may feel euphoric while drinking alcohol because ethanol stimulates the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain. This effect on the brain’s dopamine system can lead to alcohol dependence.
Alcohol also interferes with several other bodily functions, such as:
- temperature regulation
- balance and coordination
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- speech
- decision making
- digestion
- reproductive health
- immune function
Learn more about the short- and long-term effects of alcohol consumption here.
A person can usually tell when they are intoxicated, but it may be challenging to spot the signs in others.
To gauge another person’s level of intoxication, try looking for the following signs:
- a loss of coordination, such as stumbling or swaying
- flushing of the face
- bloodshot eyes
- louder speech than usual
- slurred speech
- damp or clammy skin
- mood swings or personality changes, such as aggression or depression
- drowsiness
- slowed reflexes
- vomiting
- a loss of consciousness
Learn more about alcohol and brain damage here.
People cannot treat severe alcohol intoxication — or alcohol poisoning — at home. If anyone shows signs of severe intoxication, contact emergency services immediately. In the U.S., call 911.
Follow these steps while waiting for professional assistance:
- If the person is conscious and can swallow, give them water, and have them lie on their side. This helps prevent the person from choking if they vomit.
- If the person is unconscious, turn them on their side.
In the emergency room, a doctor will check their BAC and look for other signs of alcohol poisoning, such as a slow heart rate and low blood sugar and electrolyte levels.
A healthcare professional will monitor the person’s vital signs while they recover. The doctor or nurse may also:
- administer fluids intravenously — with an IV — to prevent dehydration
- administer vitamins and sugar to treat low blood sugar
- insert a breathing tube to open the airways and provide more oxygen to the body
- pump the stomach to rid the body of excess alcohol
Alcohol intoxication occurs when a person drinks an excess of alcohol in a short period.
A low level of alcohol intoxication causes mild symptoms, while severe intoxication, or alcohol poisoning, can be life threatening. It requires immediate medical attention.
People can survive alcohol poisoning if they receive appropriate treatment. However, recovery sometimes takes several weeks or months.
Signs of alcohol and drug intoxication in minors
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Signs of alcohol and drug intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is a change in physiological and mental processes resulting from the intake of alcoholic beverages. The first external signs of alcohol intoxication are the appearance of a sparkle in the eyes, some redness of the face. There is a characteristic odor from the mouth. A mild degree of intoxication is characterized by the fact that the emotional background becomes very changeable, joy quickly changes to sadness, and then again to a good mood. In case of intoxication of moderate severity, more gross changes in human behavior are manifested. Characterized by the inability to restrain their feelings and desires. High spirits are replaced by resentment, irritability, anger, which manifest themselves in aggressive actions. Lost coordination of simple actions. The person is as if inhibited, attention switches slowly. Then drunkenness is replaced by deep sleep. The next day, memories of events and actions are vague.
Signs of drug intoxication are more difficult to notice, especially for those who have never seen people “high”. Drug intoxication is characterized, as a rule, by increased activity in movements. A person speaks quickly and excessively lively, does not respond adequately to questions, has a kind of “shine” in his eyes, sometimes bursts into unreasonable laughter, in general, his condition is characterized by euphoria. Depending on the type of drug used, a teenager’s pupils may be unnaturally narrow or wide, regardless of the lighting. Slurred, drawn-out speech, clumsy movements in the absence of the smell of alcohol from the mouth should also alert.
The sudden loss of interest in studies and school life, the emergence of a new company should attract the attention of parents. Most of the time the child tends to spend outside the home, with new, unknown to you friends. The teenager begins to lie and hide where he spends his time. Relations with parents are changing: good, even relationships are replaced by unreasonable anger, irritation, aggression.
If the drug is injected, the child begins to wear only long sleeves. The appearance changes – it becomes sloppy, careless, neglected. By the way, it should be borne in mind that the effect of the drug can be quite short-lived, and the end of the effect in an extreme situation for the addict can cause him to withdraw, which will result in a sharp deterioration in the state of this person: he can become depressed, angry, even more excited and aggressive .
It’s no secret that the more parents say “don’t do it,” the more their children want it. Experts have noticed that most children who use alcohol and drugs actually have very strict parents who do not even talk about such bad habits in the family circle. If you suspect that your child has started using alcohol or drugs, do not try to find excuses and “hide your head in the sand”, as time is your best ally. If a teenager has just tasted the “forbidden fruit”, this does not mean that he is a drug addict or an alcoholic, therefore, the sooner you start taking active steps, the more chances you have to save your child.
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External signs and stages of alcohol intoxication
Signs of alcohol intoxication depend on degrees, which are clearly distinguished in medicine. However, this condition, regardless of the stage, is always characterized by mental, neurological and autonomic disorders.
Signs of a mild degree of alcohol intoxication
An individual who is in such a state feels warmth all over his body, his pulse speeds up, hyperemia of the skin is observed, appetite increases. External signs of alcohol intoxication are also an improvement in mood, a person perceives those around him kindly, there is no aggression, even negative and painful experiences are no longer perceived acutely and do not lead to disorders. Often in this state, people are prone to loud and laudatory speeches, dancing and fun.
In a state of slight intoxication, the quality of work noticeably decreases, errors appear, and attention is scattered. An individual who is in a state of this degree of intoxication, it seems that he is dexterous and smart, but from the outside, inhibited behavior is observed.
Signs of an average degree of alcohol intoxication
This degree of intoxication is characterized by pronounced neurological stigmas, dysarthia (slurred speech), unsteady gait, staggering, ataxia phenomena are observed, in some cases nausea and vomiting appear. Instead of benevolence, aggression and anger arise, attention is practically absent, but orientation is preserved. The characteristic signs of alcohol intoxication at this stage are an overestimation of one’s behavior and thoughts, in this state a person can express insults and reproaches, lethargy or drowsiness appears, the instinct of self-preservation practically disappears.
Most often, in this state, a person falls asleep, and after waking up he feels weakness, thirst, headaches, depressed mood, decreased appetite, and even memory lapses. If a person is periodically in a state of moderate intoxication and his body is resistant to large volumes of alcohol, then in some cases this can be considered as one of the symptoms of alcoholism.
Signs of severe alcohol intoxication
This is the most dangerous degree for health. Clinical signs of intoxication of this degree are amimia, severe vomiting, incontinence of feces and urine, sometimes cyanotic extremities may appear. It is almost impossible to wake a person from sleep in this state, it resembles a coma, while the pupils do not react to light, breathing becomes difficult, and the pulse is practically not felt. After awakening and sobering up, a person has no memories, asthenia is observed, and there is no appetite.
Other external signs of alcohol intoxication are observed in the pathological, epileptoid or paranoid form.
Signs of a pathological form of intoxication
The main symptoms of this form are clouding of consciousness, psychosis, mental and physical fatigue, sometimes prostration and indifference may appear. At the same time, the external signs of alcohol intoxication are practically invisible if you do not communicate with a person. Movements are automated, but in rare cases a person can perform strange and asocial acts, motor disturbances, a feeling of fear and incomprehensible statements similar to delirium are possible. It is this form of alcohol intoxication that is considered a frequent cause of crimes and brawls.
Signs of the epileptoid form of intoxication
A person in this form of intoxication differs from others in sharp movements, aggressive and unreasonable behavior, which is accompanied by outbursts of rage. Clinical signs of intoxication, which can be used to determine the epileptoid form, are inhibited and poor speech or its complete absence, fragmentary hallucinations and delirium, and possible silent arousal.
Signs of paranoid intoxication
The main sign of this form is hallucinations and delusions, a person is sure that there are many dangers around him, he is afraid of death, he thinks that someone wants to kill him, sometimes it seems that a whole conspiracy is being planned. In this state, a person ceases to recognize acquaintances, faces are changed, he is afraid of everyone and tries to run away and hide. From the side it seems that being in a state of intoxication acts purposefully. The whole speech is built on separate phrases and expressions, it is impossible to create logical chains and build complex sentences correctly.