From when alcohol intoxication

Signs and help

At what point do we speak of alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol intoxication occurs when the body can no longer effectively break down the amount of alcohol consumed. The liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol, works at a rate of around 0.1 to 0.15 per mille per hour. However, if you consume more alcohol than the liver can break down, the alcohol level in the blood rises and it accumulates, which can ultimately lead to intoxication. Alcohol intoxication occurs when the blood alcohol level reaches or exceeds 1.5 per mille. However, individual factors are decisive: body weight, gender, state of health and general alcohol tolerance influence how quickly intoxication occurs. In people who only drink infrequently, alcohol intoxication can already occur at lower blood alcohol levels, while the tolerance threshold can be higher with regular consumption. It is important to pay attention to warning signs such as nausea, speech disorders, confusion or loss of balance and to intervene early to avoid serious health consequences.

At what point do you have alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol intoxication is not a fixed threshold, but varies greatly from person to person. Alcohol intoxication usually occurs when the amount of alcohol consumed exceeds the body's capacity to process it. At a blood alcohol level of around 2.0 to 3.0 per mille, the severe symptoms of intoxication usually occur. These include unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, feeling cold due to a reduced body temperature and, in the worst cases, seizures. These symptoms occur because alcohol affects the central nervous system and can impair control over vital functions such as breathing and heartbeat. If the alcohol content in the blood exceeds 4.0 per mille, there is an acute danger to life and medical help must be sought immediately. However, dangerous situations can arise even at lower blood alcohol levels, especially if the person concerned is taking medication or suffers from health problems.

When does alcohol poisoning become fatal?

Alcohol intoxication becomes particularly dangerous when the blood alcohol level exceeds the limit of 4.0 to 5.0 per mille. At this stage, the body's functions are so severely impaired that breathing may stop, circulatory arrest or a coma may occur. The alcohol acts as a powerful neurotoxin, which paralyzes the brain's control of vital processes. Even the 3.0 per mille range can be critical for many people, especially for young people or people with pre-existing conditions. However, there are also cases in which people's lives are in danger even at lower levels due to a very low alcohol tolerance or extreme alcohol intake within a short period of time. The exact limits for fatal alcohol poisoning are therefore very individual. It is important that relatives and friends call an ambulance immediately at the first signs of severe intoxication - such as unconsciousness, shallow breathing or bluish skin discoloration.

Alcohol poisoning: When to go to hospital?

The question "When should I go to hospital?" should always be taken seriously in the event of alcohol poisoning. If symptoms such as severe confusion, vomiting, loss of balance, unconsciousness or shallow breathing occur, the emergency doctor should be called immediately. Even if the affected person is no longer responsive or has a convulsion, rapid assistance is vital. Alcohol poisoning can lead to the affected person choking on their vomit or suffering respiratory arrest. Early treatment in hospital can prevent the worst from happening. Doctors can lower the blood alcohol level and monitor vital functions. Alcohol poisoning is particularly dangerous in young people, as their bodies are even less able to break down alcohol and the risk of long-term damage is increased.

At what point do you die from alcohol poisoning?

The risk of dying from alcohol poisoning is very high at a blood alcohol level of 4.0 to 5.0 per mille. At this level, the body can no longer break down the alcohol, causing vital functions such as breathing or heartbeat to stop. At such a high blood alcohol level, unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis or circulatory arrest often occur. But even at lower levels, alcohol poisoning can be fatal, especially if there are additional factors such as hypothermia or aspiration of vomit. Every body has its own limits, and there are reports of people who have died at blood alcohol levels of around 3.0. It is therefore essential to act immediately and call the emergency services if there are signs of severe alcohol poisoning.