Many Australians don’t realise just how much alcohol can be harmful. Drinking too much in a short time can cause alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that affects the body’s ability to function properly and can be life-threatening.
Alcohol poisoning occurs when excessive alcohol consumption slows breathing, affects heart rate, and lowers body temperature, increasing the risk of unconsciousness, coma, or even death.
Knowing how much alcohol is too much, recognising the warning signs, and taking steps to drink responsibly can help prevent a life-threatening situation.
What is alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning happens when high levels of alcohol overwhelm the body’s ability to process it, leading to toxic effects on the brain and organs.
Key dangers of alcohol poisoning
- Slows breathing and heart rate, increasing the risk of coma or death.
- Suppresses the gag reflex, making choking on vomit a major hazard.
- Lowers body temperature, leading to hypothermia.
Unlike a typical hangover, alcohol poisoning is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
How much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning?
The amount of alcohol that can cause poisoning varies based on factors like weight, gender, metabolism, and drinking speed.
Understanding blood alcohol content (BAC)
Blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) measures the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. A BAC above 0.25% is considered extremely dangerous and can lead to alcohol poisoning symptoms.
|
BAC Level (%) |
Effects & Risk Level |
|
0.02 - 0.05% |
Mild relaxation, slightly impaired judgment. |
|
0.06 - 0.10% |
Slower reaction times, reduced coordination, slurred speech. |
|
0.11 - 0.20% |
Confusion, nausea, potential blackouts, loss of balance and some muscle control. |
|
0.21 - 0.30% |
High risk of unconsciousness, vomiting, slowed breathing. |
|
0.31 - 0.40% |
Likely have alcohol poisoning. Severe risk of coma or death. |
|
Above 0.40% |
Potentially fatal alcohol poisoning. |
General consumption guidelines
- Low risk – 1-2 standard drinks per hour
- Increased risk – 4+ drinks in 2 hours (binge drinking)
- Severe risk – 8-10+ drinks in a short period
Factors that increase alcohol poisoning risk
- Drinking on an empty stomach – Alcohol enters the bloodstream faster.
- Mixing alcohol with medications or drugs – Can amplify its effects.
- Low body weight or dehydration – Increases alcohol’s impact.
READ MORE: Factors that affect BAC levels
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning
Recognising the signs of alcohol poisoning can save lives.
Common symptoms include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting and possible seizures
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, do not assume they will “sleep it off.”
What to do if someone has alcohol poisoning
If someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately
- Bring them to a safe, quiet place
- Do NOT leave them alone.
- Turn them on their side to prevent choking.
- Keep them awake and upright if possible.
- Do NOT give them food, coffee, or cold showers—this won’t help.
Learn more from AustraliaWide First Aid on how to treat alcohol poisoning.
⏳ Act quickly—delaying treatment can be fatal.
How to prevent alcohol poisoning
To stay safe while drinking, follow these smart alcohol consumption tips:
- Know your limits – Understand how alcohol affects you personally.
- Pace yourself & drink water – Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
- Eat before and while drinking – Slows alcohol absorption.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with drugs or energy drinks – This increases toxicity.
- Monitor your BAC with a personal breathalyser – A personal breathalyser from Andatech allows you to check your alcohol level in real time, helping you stay within safe limits.
- Look out for friends – Watch for signs of overconsumption in others.
SHOP NOW: Andatech GT – the most compact personal breathalyser.
Drink responsibly and stay safe
Alcohol poisoning is dangerous but preventable. Understanding how much alcohol is too much and taking steps to monitor your BAC, pace your drinking, and stay hydrated can reduce the risks.
If you want a simple way to track your BAC and drink responsibly, check out Andatech’s range of personal breathalysers today. Stay safe and make informed choices!
