Alcohol poisoning may occur through excessive drinking or by inhaling certain household products by accident or on purpose. Alcohol slows down the normal functioning of organs and nerves in the body, according to the University of Washington in Seattle. Too much alcohol in the body in a short time can stop vital functioning and lead to fatal results. Signs of alcohol poisoning may include difficulty in waking a person up, cold, clammy and pale skin, slow or irregular breathing and vomiting without waking up.
Binge Drinking
The main cause of alcohol poisoning comes from drinking too many alcoholic beverages, especially in a short period of time. The body quickly absorbs alcohol, which can affect the brain in less than a minute on an empty stomach, according to MayoClinic.com. It takes about an hour for the liver to process one drink, defined as 12 oz. of beer, 4 to 5 oz. of wine and 1 oz. or more of liquor. Mixed drinks may contain more than 1 oz. People with small and thin builds become more susceptible to alcohol poisoning because the alcohol absorbs more quickly into the body. Drinking five drinks in a row, usually defined as binge drinking, may cause fatal dosage even before a person passes out. Excessive alcohol slows down nerve functions that control breathing, heartbeat and gag reflexes that prevent choking. Low blood sugar levels may fall from binge drinking and lead to seizures. The body temperature may drop and result in cardiac arrest.
Inhalants
Inhaling isopropyl alcohol or methanol causes alcohol poisoning. Rubbing alcohol, lotions and certain cleaning products contain isopropyl alcohol. Paints, solvents and antifreeze include methanol. People may inhale these substances accidentally, but others, particularly youths, inhale the products through the nose or mouth for intoxicating purposes. Because the substances produce a quick and short "high," some people may repeatedly inhale them for several hours, greatly increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and causing heart failure or death.
Alcohol and Drugs
Mixing drugs and alcohol increases the risk of alcohol poisoning. Fatal alcohol overdoses may occur when using prescription drugs. People who suffer from certain health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, increase the risk of alcohol poisoning when drinking and taking medication. Consulting a doctor about the effects from certain amounts of alcohol on a condition can help people avoid the dangers of overdosing that lead to alcohol poisoning.
