Alcohol poisoning

Dr Lynn Thomas, OStJ, BSc, MB.BS, MA, FRCPClinically reviewed: 28/04/2025

When someone drinks too much alcohol they can suffer from alcohol poisoning. Find out what to look for and what to do.

What is alcohol poisoning?

When someone drinks too much alcohol and drink it quicker than their body can process it and filter it out of their blood, they can suffer from alcohol poisoning. Drinking too much alcohol depresses the nervous system from working properly, particularly the brain. It can severely weaken mental and physical functions, and the person may become unresponsive.

Signs and symptoms

If someone has alcohol poisoning, look for:

a strong smell of alcohol - you may see empty bottles or cans nearby
reduced level of response and coordination
their face may be moist and reddened
deep, noisy breathing
full, bounding pulse
confusion
slurring
sickness and vomiting

Later, you may find:

shallow breathing
a weak, rapid pulse
dilated pupils that react poorly to light
unresponsiveness

What to do

1
If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, reassure them and cover them with a coat or blanket to keep them warm.
2
Check the casualty for any injuries, especially head injuries, or signs of any other medical conditions.
Be aware that the smell of alcohol on an unresponsive casualty could disguise other conditions, such as a head injury, stroke, heart attack, and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which need appropriate treatment.
If you’re unsure about how serious their condition is, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
If you suspect a head injury, they should be seen by a healthcare professional.
If there is evidence of other injuries and the casualty is conscious and not vomiting, you can offer sips of water.
3
Place the casualty in the recovery position so that they do not choke on any vomit.
Do not try to make them sick.
4
Monitor their level of response until they recover or until a responsible adult can take over.
If worried, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing and prepare to give CPR.