What Is Intoxication?

Intoxication can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount consumed, speed of ingestion, metabolism, body weight, substance, and other factors.

Signs of Intoxication

Specific signs of intoxication vary depending on the substance ingested (alcohol, marijuana, etc.) However, some of the common symptoms of alcohol intoxication include:

• Ataxia: Repeated stumbling or an inability to walk a straight line
• Confusion and lethargy: Disorientation and extreme fatigue
• Euphoria: Elation, talkativeness, impulsiveness
• Loss of inhibitions: Feelings of relaxation, openness, and confidence
• Poor judgment: Tendency to make bad decisions and engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence
• Speech problems: Slurred speech and other speech difficulties
• Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting as the body tries to rid itself of the intoxicant

Severe intoxication can lead to a loss of consciousness or even death.

Diagnosing Intoxication

Diagnosing intoxication often involves observation, a physical exam, and verification of events by others. Breath and blood tests measure the levels of alcohol and other substances in the body.

Regarding alcohol, the U.S. considers anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher intoxicated; individual states can set their own stricter limits.

Notably, the signs of intoxication don't always correlate with BAC levels. Some people may not feel or act intoxicated because of their tolerance levels, but they will still have BAC levels over the legal limit.

Causes of Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication happens when alcohol and its metabolites enter the bloodstream faster than the liver can metabolize them. It is a temporary state that can result in neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular effects. 

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the intoxicating substance in wine, beer, and liquor. Ethanol is responsible for intoxication because it has a depressive impact on parts of the brain. As more alcohol is ingested, the ethanol takes greater effect, causing impairments in progressive order.

Many factors impact intoxication. A large proportion of the ethanol in liquor is absorbed into the blood from the stomach and the rest from the small intestine. The longer alcohol stays in the stomach, the longer it takes to be absorbed, lowering the rate of intoxication.

Some people are more prone to intoxication than others. For instance, someone who regularly drinks heavily may be able to ingest much larger quantities without being intoxicated than someone who rarely drinks. Other factors impacting intoxication include:

• Medications: Certain medications can enhance the effect of alcohol and increase intoxication. Sedative drugs, such as those for anxiety or mood disorders, can be extremely dangerous if combined with alcohol.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can make people more susceptible to intoxication. Before drinking, people should talk to a healthcare provider about potential risks and how much alcohol is considered safe.

Health Effects of Intoxication

Intoxication can have a number of detrimental health effects. In the case of alcohol, intoxication can lead to alcohol poisoning, increase the risk of vehicle accidents, and can increase a person's risk for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular problems.

Alcohol intoxication is a common cause of emergency room visits in the United States. It can also result in substance intoxication delirium, a type of delirium that is induced by consuming alcohol and other substances.

Treatment for Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication is usually treated with support and care as the body processes alcohol. In many cases, symptoms of intoxication will gradually decrease as alcohol is metabolized and eliminated from a person's system.

If a person is showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning, emergency services should be contacted immediately. Symptoms of this condition include cool skin, confusion, loss of consciousness, hypothermia, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

Treatment for alcohol poisoning includes observing vital signs, administering oxygen, and providing IV fluids. In some cases, a person may have their stomach pumped to remove alcohol before it can be absorbed or they may be given activated charcoal to minimize further alcohol absorption.

Coping With Intoxication

When someone is experiencing intoxication, there are strategies that can help them cope and remain safe. Ensuring the individual's immediate safety is essential, but supportive care as they gradually recover from intoxication is also important.

• Supervision: A person should always stay with a trusted sober person while intoxicated. Supervision can ensure that they are safe, cannot be hurt by someone else, and have access to help if it is needed.
• Eat something and drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated and having something to eat helps prevent dehydration and can lessen some of alcohol's detrimental effects. Eating and drinking during recovery can also help relieve the aftereffects of intoxication.
  
• Take a pain reliever. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help relieve headaches. Avoid Tylenol, however, since alcohol may interact with acetaminophen. Caffeine can also help relieve some effects of a hangover.