Although consuming alcohol in the form of beer, wine, or spirits is generally accepted, ingesting rubbing alcohol can result in severe health consequences. Drinking isopropyl-based solutions can lead to harmful side effects, permanent body damage, and even alcohol poisoning.
Rubbing alcohol, often utilized as a low-cost disinfectant, may tempt some individuals due to its alcohol content. However, it carries substantial danger when swallowed, rapidly elevating the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Composition of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol typically consists of two primary components: isopropyl alcohol and water. It often contains around 70% isopropyl alcohol, with water making up the remaining percentage. Certain formulations may feature even higher proportions of isopropyl alcohol.
Common Uses of Rubbing Alcohol
Most people use rubbing alcohol as a disinfectant or sanitizer. It works as an alcohol-based hand cleanser when soap and water are unavailable, particularly if hands aren’t visibly soiled. During the COVID-19 crisis, its use soared as a means to reduce infection risks. Rubbing alcohol can also serve as a solvent or antifreeze in various industrial and household applications.
Ready to Break Free From Addiction?
If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait—start your journey to recovery today.
Can You Get Intoxicated by Drinking Rubbing Alcohol?
While ingesting rubbing alcohol might yield sensations that resemble drunkenness, it poses a grave danger of becoming lethal. Though it might trigger some intoxicating effects, it’s entirely different from consuming drinks containing ethyl alcohol. The word “alcohol” spans a variety of chemical compounds, many of which are poisonous. Safe drinking alcohol is always ethyl alcohol, whereas the isopropyl alcohol in rubbing alcohol is toxic and potentially fatal. Deaths have been documented from ingesting as little as eight ounces of rubbing alcohol—equivalent to less than a full can of beer.
What Happens When You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
Once taken into the body, rubbing alcohol passes swiftly from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. It irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal system, causing pain or nausea. The body converts isopropyl alcohol into acetone—a hazardous substance also used in nail polish remover. Acetone can depress brain activity, causing potentially life-threatening complications.
Consequences of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol’s harmful effects stem from both its corrosive influence on the intestines and its toxic impact on the central nervous system. Signs of ingesting rubbing alcohol may include:
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Limited responsiveness
- Sore throat
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning
Isopropyl alcohol poisoning can arise from even minimal amounts of isopropyl alcohol. Extended exposure to its fumes may also trigger poisoning without direct consumption. Poison Control Centers advise anyone who has ingested rubbing alcohol to immediately seek help from a Poison Control center or visit an emergency department—waiting for signs to appear can be dangerous. Early intervention is critical for averting a fatal result.
Can Drinking Rubbing Alcohol Be Deadly?
Yes. Consuming rubbing alcohol can be lethal. Only a few tablespoons may be fatal for a child, and a few ounces can be deadly for an adult. Pursuing intoxication through rubbing alcohol is extremely risky and may cause irreversible harm to the brain or other vital organs—even if it doesn’t prove instantly fatal.
Immediate Actions if Someone Drinks Rubbing Alcohol
If you or someone around you has swallowed rubbing alcohol, seek medical help at once. Do not delay until symptoms arise, because any postponement can forfeit crucial time needed to save a life. Call 911 without hesitation and wait for paramedics. Avoid inducing vomiting, as it may inflict added harm and may not be beneficial. While contacting Poison Control is recommended, it should never replace dialing emergency services, as every moment is vital.
In the hospital, medical workers will likely conduct thorough diagnostic procedures to gauge kidney and liver performance. They may use specialized treatments to counteract the impact of isopropyl alcohol, and extreme cases might need life support to stabilize essential functions.
Seeking Help for Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
People who think of drinking isopropyl alcohol to experience inebriation might be exhibiting signs of alcohol use disorder and should consider professional assistance. Recovery from alcohol addiction typically has two stages: detoxification, where the body adapts to no longer receiving alcohol, and rehabilitation, offering coping mechanisms and help for sustaining sobriety.
Alcohol treatment can occur in an outpatient model, requiring routine consultations with medical experts or therapists, or it can be administered on an inpatient basis, with a stay at a rehab facility for a designated period. Inpatient care provides an immersive experience that may improve long-term outcomes.
The Recovery Village Salem delivers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services intended to help individuals break free from addiction and develop a stable, sober life. Our customized programs support those struggling with substance use, offering a clear pathway to improved health and well-being. Get in touch with The Recovery Village Salem today to find out more about our proven treatment approaches and take the first step toward a healthier future.
