Alcohol Intoxication

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Alcohol intoxication is a harmful physical condition caused when you drink more alcohol than your body can handle. It is also called ethanol poisoning, or being drunk.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

A psychiatric assessment

can help healthcare providers find the best treatment for you. You may be asked about past trauma or abuse, or if you have seen other people being harmed. Tell providers if you have thoughts about hurting yourself or others. You may be asked about alcohol or drug use. Tell providers if you have people in your life who support you.

A pulse oximeter

is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your finger, ear, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine.

Healthcare providers will check your vital signs.

Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. The providers will also ask about your pain.

Intake and output:

Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting and how much you are urinating. Ask if they need to measure or collect your urine before you dispose of it.

An IV

is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

• A sedative may be given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
• Anticonvulsant medicine is given to control seizures. Take this medicine exactly as directed.
• Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
• Glucose may be given to increase the amount of sugar in your blood.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) may be given if your levels are low from too much alcohol.

Tests:

• Blood and urine samples are tested for alcohol and for signs of liver, kidney, or heart damage caused by alcohol. You may need to have these tests more than one time.
• A neurologic exam can show healthcare providers how well your brain is working. A provider will check how your pupils react to light. He or she may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.

Treatment:

• In brief intervention therapy, a healthcare provider helps you think about your alcohol use differently. He or she helps you set goals to decrease the amount of alcohol you drink. Therapy may continue after you leave the hospital.
• You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
• A ventilator is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your mouth or nose and attached to the ventilator. You may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is a tube put through an incision and into your windpipe.

RISKS:

Alcohol can damage your brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs. Alcohol also increases your risk for certain cancers. You may be more likely to act violently when you are intoxicated. You may break the law, or harm yourself and others. Risky sexual behavior could lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Alcohol intoxication and poisoning can put you into a coma and may be life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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