Alcohol Intoxication: Signs, Home Care, and When to Seek Help

Alcohol Intoxication: Recognition, Home Care, and Medical Concerns

An individual is considered to be experiencing alcohol intoxication when the amount of alcohol consumed leads to behavioural, mental, or physical impairment. Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, speech, and reaction time. As consumption increases, the level of alcohol in the bloodstream rises, increasing the risk of injury and medical emergencies.

Alcohol intoxication can range from mild impairment to life-threatening poisoning, depending on the amount consumed, body size, tolerance, and whether other substances were involved.

How to Care for Alcohol Intoxication at Home

Most individuals with mild alcohol intoxication can be monitored safely at home using the following steps:

• Remove access to alcohol
  Move the individual away from any sources of alcohol. If at a party or bar, help them get home or to a safe location.

• Provide a safe environment
  Ensure the person is in a safe, quiet area where they cannot fall, choke, or wander unsafely.

• Confirm what was consumed
  Determine whether only ethanol (alcohol) was ingested. Ask if medications, non-ethanol alcohols, or other substances were taken.

• Monitor responsiveness
  Check if the individual can be awakened easily by speaking to them or gently shaking their shoulder.

• Assess for injuries or medical conditions
  Look for signs of head injury, trauma, or underlying conditions such as diabetes or seizures that may mimic or worsen intoxication.

• Ensure supervision
  Have someone stay with the individual and monitor their condition. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

There is no medication or home remedy that can speed up the sobering process. Time is the only factor that reduces blood alcohol levels.

When to Seek Medical Care

Medical attention is required if:

• The individual cannot be awakened or stays unconscious
• Breathing is slow, irregular, or laboured
• Vomiting occurs repeatedly or while unconscious
• There are signs of head injury or trauma
• You are unsure what substances were consumed
• The person has underlying conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or kidney disease
• You are uncomfortable monitoring the individual safely at home

When in doubt, it is always safer to seek medical care.

First Aid Training and Safety Note

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Alcohol intoxication can progress quickly and become life-threatening.

Recognizing impaired consciousness, monitoring breathing, and knowing when to seek emergency care are essential skills taught in Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid courses. St. Mark James Training, Canada’s largest 100% Canadian-owned and operated first aid and CPR training provider, offers nationally recognized courses that prepare individuals to respond confidently to alcohol intoxication and other medical emergencies.