When someone drinks too much alcohol, it can turn dangerous fast. Alcohol poisoning isn’t the same as just being really drunk — it’s a medical emergency. It can slow down the body’s basic functions, like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. If it gets bad enough, it can lead to coma or even death.

In this post, we’ll go over the warning signs of alcohol poisoning, what to do if it happens, and why acting fast can help save a life.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that the person experiences serious health risks. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include the following:

• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Coma
• Difficulty breathing

As a person drinks, their blood alcohol level (BAC) rises. Elevated BAC levels will lead to various stages of impairment and alcohol poisoning signs. In the first stage, they will feel relaxed, and their judgment, self-control, and coordination are slightly impaired. When their BAC is between 0.09 and 0.25%, they will feel dazed and confused, right on the edge of alcohol poisoning.

After their BAC exceeds 0.25%, they are at a high risk of passing out and severe consequences of alcohol poisoning. Continuing to drink after reaching this stage could lead to coma or death.

What Are Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning doesn’t just look like someone being really drunk—it’s life-threatening. If someone shows these signs, it’s better to call for help than wait and see.

1. Mental Confusion

Heavy drinking can cause a person to become confused and lose their sense of direction and recognition. This can continue into the next day since blackouts are more likely to occur when poisoned by alcohol.

2. Stupor

Once alcohol poisoning sets in, people may not react to sounds, smells, sights, or touches. Getting them to respond can take considerable effort, even if they are in danger.

3. Alcoholic Coma

A coma resulting from alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention. Underlying problems or injuries can easily lead to a coma after a person drinks too much.

4. Vomiting

As the body tries to get rid of the alcohol poisoning the body, a person may vomit repeatedly. Since they may have difficulty moving around or reacting, there is an increased risk of choking on their vomit.

5. Seizures

Alcohol-induced seizures are a medical emergency with the same common signs as other seizures, including muscle stiffness, convulsion, loss of consciousness, and bowel and bladder control.

6. Slowed Breathing

Heavy drinking affects the amount of nitric oxide in the lungs, which helps to maintain normal breathing. Once a person takes less than eight breaths per minute, their breathing is slowed.

7. Irregular Breathing

It can be challenging for someone affected by alcohol poisoning to catch their breath or take regular breaths. Not breathing correctly can be disastrous since they may not get enough oxygen.

8. Hypothermia

Alcohol lowers the body’s core temperature, putting people at risk of hypothermia. Additionally, intoxicated people may feel warm because their blood pressure is elevated.

9. Rash Recovery

Since blood vessels are expanded by heavy drinking, many people dealing with alcohol poisoning may develop a rash. Rashes can also stem from an alcohol intolerance or allergy, which can cause extreme itching, stomach problems, and trouble breathing.

What Does Alcohol Poisoning Look Like?

Alcohol poisoning is a serious medical emergency. It happens when someone drinks a dangerous amount of alcohol, and their body can’t handle it. Here’s what to look for:

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

• Throwing up a lot – The body is trying to get rid of the alcohol.

• Slow or irregular breathing – Fewer than 8 breaths per minute, or gaps of 10+ seconds.

• Cold, pale, or bluish skin – Especially lips or fingertips.

• Passing out and can’t wake up – Even if you shake or yell, they don’t respond.

• Slow heart rate – The pulse feels weak or too slow.

• Seizures – Jerking movements or shaking that can’t be controlled.

• Low body temperature – The person may feel cold to the touch.

• Confusion or slurred speech – They may not make sense or seem very out of it.

What to Do

• Call 911 right away.

• Don’t let them “sleep it off.”

• Keep them sitting up or on their side (not on their back) to prevent choking.

• Stay with them until help arrives.

Can You Get a Rash From Alcohol Poisoning?

Yes. If someone drinks too much alcohol, their body can react in a lot of different ways. One possible reaction is a rash. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but here are a few reasons why it might.

1. Alcohol Flush Reaction

Some people get red in the face or on their chest after drinking. This is called alcohol flush reaction. It happens when their body can’t break down alcohol the right way. It can cause blotchy skin or a warm, red rash.

2. Allergic Reaction or Histamines

Alcohol has something called histamines, which can make the skin itchy or red—kind of like an allergy. Some people also react to things mixed into alcohol, like grapes, wheat, or other ingredients.

3. Liver Problems

Drinking a lot can hurt the liver. When the liver isn’t working right, it can cause the skin to itch or look different. Sometimes a rash or yellow skin (called jaundice) can be a sign of serious liver trouble.

4. Dehydration

Alcohol dries out your body. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can get dry, itchy, or irritated. This can sometimes look like a rash, especially if you’ve also been throwing up or sweating a lot.

5. Tiny Red Dots or Bruises (Rare)

In serious cases of alcohol poisoning, the skin might show small red or purple dots. These are called petechiae. They can be a sign of a bigger problem, like damage to your blood vessels or low platelets.

When to Get Help

A rash from alcohol isn’t always dangerous, but if it shows up with other serious symptoms — like confusion, trouble breathing, throwing up a lot, or passing out — get medical help right away.

Can Alcohol Poisoning Cause Hives?

Hives aren’t a common sign of alcohol poisoning, but they can happen in some cases. Usually, hives are caused by how your body reacts to alcohol—not the poisoning itself.

Why Alcohol Might Cause Hives

• Histamines – Alcohol can trigger histamines, which may cause itchy, raised welts.

• Allergies – Some people are allergic to ingredients in alcohol, like grains or sulfites.

• Alcohol intolerance – If your body can’t break down alcohol well, it may cause skin reactions.

• Immune system stress – A severe reaction like alcohol poisoning can sometimes trigger hives.

When to Get Help

• If hives show up with vomiting, confusion, or slow breathing, get medical help fast.

• Hives on their own aren’t always serious, but pay attention to other symptoms.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Recovery

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, learn to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning before it is too late. At Northpoint Recovery, our personalized alcohol detox and rehab plans help you break the cycle of addiction. Contact our team today to get started.