Alcohol poisoning

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Diagnosis

In addition to checking for visible signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, your doctor will likely order blood and urine tests to check blood alcohol levels and identify other signs of alcohol toxicity, such as low blood sugar.

Treatment

Alcohol poisoning treatment usually involves supportive care while the body rids itself of the alcohol. This typically includes:

  • Monitoring to prevent breathing or choking problems.
  • Oxygen therapy.
  • Fluids given through a vein to prevent dehydration.
  • Use of vitamins and glucose to help prevent serious complications.

People who accidentally consume methanol or isopropyl alcohol may need hemodialysis. This is a mechanical way of filtering waste and toxins from the blood. It can speed the removal of alcohol from the blood.

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Lifestyle and home remedies

Home remedies for alcohol poisoning won't work. Alcohol poisoning is an emergency situation.

Dangerous myths

You can't reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning, and you could make things worse through some actions. Here's what doesn't work:

  • Sleeping it off. A person can lose consciousness while asleep.
  • Black coffee or caffeine. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks do not stop or reduce the effects of alcohol poisoning.
  • A cold shower. The shock of cold can cause a person to pass out.
  • Walking it off. This does not make alcohol leave the body faster.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
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Symptoms & causes
April 29, 2023
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