Liquor poisoning is another name for alcohol poisoning. Liquor generally refers to distilled spirits like whisky, gin, vodka and rum. Drinking stronger types of alcohol can sometimes increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, but you should be aware that any alcoholic drink can cause this serious condition if drunk in sufficient quantities.
Liquor poisoning can present in different ways. Common warning signs exist, but symptoms do not always follow a predictable sequence of stages.
What Is Liquor Poisoning?
Liquor poisoning is another term for alcohol poisoning or alcohol overdose. It is perhaps more commonly used in the US, where liquor, or ‘hard liquor’, is often the preferred term for distilled drinks like whisky, gin, vodka, and brandy. In the UK, these drinks are usually called spirits.
Whether you call it liquor poisoning, alcohol overdose or any other term, acute alcohol poisoning is considered to be a serious medical emergency. It can have serious impacts and can be life-threatening.
In simple terms, alcohol poisoning can occur when you drink alcohol faster than your body can process it. This can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences that go beyond merely feeling drunk or intoxicated.
Acute alcohol poisoning is also different from a hangover and long-term cumulative effects of drinking, such as dependence and withdrawal.
There is no set or certain amount of alcohol that will trigger alcohol poisoning. It can depend on a number of factors such as the speed of drinking, tolerance and individual health issues.
The Stages of Liquor Poisoning
The stages of liquor poisoning, more commonly known as alcohol poisoning, are not recognised clinical stages and may not all be experienced in a particular order, or at all. Signs of alcohol poisoning may overlap or appear rapidly, so do not wait for every symptom to show up before seeking help.
That said, some common things that may be experienced or present as a warning sign of alcohol poisoning can include:
Intoxication and Increasing Impairment
Intoxication alone may not be a sign of alcohol poisoning, but it should not be assumed to be safe either. Alcohol intoxication can present very differently in different people, and an appearance of control does not always reflect blood alcohol levels, especially in people who may have developed a tolerance to alcohol.
However, signs of advanced intoxication such as slurred speech or an inability to talk and extreme coordination issues such as difficulty walking or standing, may indicate dangerous levels of alcohol that could indicate, or lead to, alcohol poisoning.
Confusion, Vomiting and Reduced Responsiveness
Confusion, vomiting and difficulty staying awake should be seen as concerning changes. If a person is passed out or appears hard to wake, this is not the same as ordinary sleep, and there may be risks like potentially choking on their own vomit.
Life-Threatening Warning Signs
Signs of potentially life-threatening issues can include slow or irregular breathing, seizures, unconsciousness and pale or blue-tinged skin. The NHS advises that on darker skin, these colour changes may be easier to see inside the lips, on the gums and under the fingernails
You should call 999 immediately if you spot any of these signs and remember, they do not need to occur in order or all appear together.
What Do I Do If I Suspect Alcohol Poisoning?
Here are some things to do if you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning:
Call 999 and Stay With the Person
- Call 999, follow dispatcher instructions and share what is known about the levels of alcohol consumed and any medications or other drugs taken.
- Stay with them, keep them warm and monitor breathing.
- If awake, sit them up; if unconscious but breathing normally, use the recovery position.
- If they are not breathing normally, follow the dispatcher’s CPR instructions. Do not delay help to estimate alcohol intake.
Avoid Common “Sobering Up” Myths
- You should follow NHS guidance and emergency advice rather than attempting home remedies.
- Do not leave the person to ‘sleep it off’, give them coffee to drink, use a cold shower or try to make them vomit.
- Do not give more alcohol or offer food. In particular, you should never force fluids into someone drowsy or unable to swallow. Water is not a treatment for alcohol poisoning.
How Is Alcohol Poisoning Treated?
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and should ideally be treated in a hospital. Hospital treatment for alcohol poisoning will involve monitoring of the person, support for breathing, and the delivery of fluids where appropriate.
Treatment for acute alcohol poisoning is different from treatment for alcohol dependence, medically supported withdrawal and any physical and mental health problems that may be associated with alcohol use.
Getting Support After an Alcohol Poisoning Episode
Anyone can experience alcohol poisoning if they drink too much, especially when binge drinking. Overdose can occur without dependence. One episode alone does not establish an addiction diagnosis or even a pattern of problem drinking if the episode was a one-off.
It may be a warning sign, though, particularly if you drink heavily or regularly. If your drinking has increased or become difficult to control, if you continue to drink despite it causing harm or problems in your life, if you crave alcohol, become preoccupied with getting the next drink or experience signs of withdrawal when you don’t drink, it might be time for an honest appraisal and professional assessment.
GP and local alcohol services can help some people, while private alcohol rehab might be better for others. It’s worth noting, though, that withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous if you are dependent. If you are dependent, you should get medical advice before stopping suddenly and avoid home detox schedules.
Alcohol Treatment at Cassiobury Court
Cassiobury Court is a private residential drug and alcohol rehab in Watford providing individually assessed and tailored detox, therapy and recovery support.
If you’re worried about your drinking or that of a loved one, contact our friendly and experienced team today to learn more about treatment options after any urgent medical needs have been addressed.
