Alcohol intoxication is a temporary condition that happens when a person drinks more alcohol than their body can metabolize and break down. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on several factors, such as the amount of alcohol consumed and the person’s tolerance level. Severe intoxication also referred to as alcohol poisoning, requires immediate medical attention or professional intervention, as the condition can be life-threatening.
Learning about the signs of alcohol intoxication can help save someone’s life or at least prevent complications. In this article, we’ll explore alcohol intoxication symptoms and stages.
8 Common Signs of Alcohol Intoxication
Signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication vary between people and the severity of the condition. But here are some of the most common ones:
1. Euphoria
Euphoria is one of the signs of mild alcohol intoxication, which a person can experience after having two or three drinks. With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ranging from 0.03% to 0.12%, a person may be more relaxed and confident as the brain releases more dopamine. BAC refers to the amount of alcohol in the person’s bloodstream.
The person may also become more talkative and animated than usual. As the substance reduces their inhibitions, their reasoning and memory may be slightly impaired.
2. Slowed Reaction Time
Moderate intoxication can delay a person’s reaction time. When a person’s BAC level reaches 0.08%, their reaction time is decreased by 120 milliseconds. Delayed reaction time is dangerous, specifically when driving. That’s why it’s illegal to operate a vehicle in the U.S. when a person’s BAC level is at least 0.08%, which may accumulate after consuming between four to five standard drinks over two hours.
In Australia, drunk driving is a contributing factor in over 10% of the country’s traffic fatalities. Almost 1 in 10 drivers killed on roads in Australia have a BAC level exceeding the legal limit, which is 0.05%.
3. Getting Emotional
Some people cry when they are intoxicated, while others feel happy. Some become aggressive, reckless, argumentative, and affectionate. Drunken people get emotional probably because drinking impacts virtually every body organ, including a part of the brain that regulates emotions. Mood variability is generally a sign of moderate alcohol intoxication.
4. Impaired Coordination and Fine Motor Skills
Greater deficits in a person’s coordination and fine motor skills are also signs of moderate alcohol intoxication. The intoxicated person may bump into things, fall off chairs, and have difficulty standing up and walking in a straight line.
Impaired coordination and motor skills happen because alcohol affects the part of the brain responsible for controlling balance and movement.
5. Slurred Speech
Slurred speech is a stereotypical sign of drunkenness, which typically occurs when the person’s BAC level reaches 0.1%. This symptom appears in the moderate intoxication level. So, if you are out having a few drinks with a group, and someone starts slurring their speech, it’s time to stop them from drinking.
Slurred speech normally gets better once a person gets sober. However, if the difficulty of saying words does not clear up, it could be a sign of a much more serious problem and followed by alcohol intoxication symptoms, particularly if the person has been drinking excessively for a long time.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
A moderately intoxicated person may get nauseous and vomit. Vomiting after drinking is the body’s natural means of getting rid of toxins in the alcohol. In a sense, throwing up after consuming alcohol is helpful as it removes the substance before the body can absorb it. Vomiting may even help prevent alcohol poisoning or acute intoxication.
7. Extremely Low Body Temperature
Extremely low body temperature, which may be indicated by shivers or chills, is a sign of acute alcohol intoxication or alcohol overdose. It happens when the BAC level is at least 0.3%.
Alcohol poisoning is potentially fatal. So, if a drunken person’s body temperature drops, call immediate medical assistance. Although it may be a sign of other medical problems, it is better to be safe than sorry.
8. Loss of Consciousness
Passing out or losing consciousness is another critical sign of a dangerous alcohol overdose. Although some do wake up without intervention, it is dangerous to assume that an unconscious individual will sleep it off. Call emergency services immediately if an individual who has too much alcohol can only be woken up for short periods of time or cannot be woken up at all.
Changes in Physical Appearance
A person’s physical appearance may also change when intoxicated. Some start having bloodshot or watery eyes, droopy eyelids, and flushed faces. They may have dishevelled clothing. Individuals experiencing alcohol poisoning may have blue-tinged or pale skin.
Alcohol can also make a person’s breath smell, which is commonly known as booze breath. Depending on the alcohol type, the smell can range from fruity and sweet to sharp and pungent. If a person consumes large amounts of alcohol, the substance may also get transferred to the sweat.
There are many other alcohol intoxication symptoms, including but not limited to dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, and impaired memory and judgment. So watch out for them.
Diagnosing Intoxication
If you see someone displaying one or two alcohol intoxication symptoms but you haven’t seen them drinking, it’s important not to immediately assume that they are drunk.
Some of the symptoms of alcohol intoxication are similar to other medical conditions. For example, slurred speech is also one of the symptoms of severe head injury, stroke, and brain tumours. For this reason, you must try to find out whether the person who is exhibiting common signs of intoxication has indeed consumed alcohol before doing anything. It can be done by measuring BAC.
Other approaches to diagnosing moderate to severe cases of alcohol intoxication include performing a physical examination and checking the person’s medical history. When it comes to treatment, several factors are considered, including the type of alcohol, other substances involved, pre-existing conditions, and the presence of complications.
Are You Addicted to Alcohol?
Alcohol is a dangerous substance. It can lead to addiction, which can ruin your life or your loved ones. If alcohol is already causing problems in your life but you have difficulty stopping drinking HARP Private Rehab can help.
Find out whether you’re addicted to alcohol.
