Can You Get Drunk Off Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is common in many homes for cleaning and disinfecting. However, it should never be used as a drink. Its chemical composition is far different from the alcohol found in beer, wine, and spirits, making it extremely dangerous if ingested.

Some people may wrongly think that rubbing alcohol can make them feel drunk, like alcoholic drinks. However, it can cause serious poisoning and even life-threatening problems.

Understanding the risks associated with rubbing alcohol is crucial, especially for people who may be struggling with alcohol addiction. In desperation, some may turn to unconventional and harmful substances like rubbing alcohol to satisfy their cravings. However, the risks far outweigh any temporary effect it might provide. This dangerous behavior is often a sign of a deeper problem that requires professional help.

The main ingredient in rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, is a chemical that, once ingested, breaks down into highly toxic compounds. Isopropyl alcohol is absorbed quickly by the body.

This causes poisoning symptoms to appear rapidly. This is different from ethyl alcohol in drinks. Understanding the dangers can help prevent accidental or intentional swallowing. It also ensures that medical help is sought right away in an emergency.

While ethyl alcohol, found in alcoholic drinks, is metabolized by the body for intoxication, isopropyl alcohol leads to poisoning. Consuming it, even in small amounts, can be extremely dangerous.

What Is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is a colorless, flammable chemical compound used for various cleaning and disinfecting purposes. It is not meant for people to drink. It is very different from ethyl alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol is found in beer, wine, and other drinks. Ethyl alcohol can cause you to get drunk when consumed in moderate amounts. However, isopropyl alcohol can lead to serious health problems, even in small quantities.

Its bitter taste is meant to deter people from drinking it, but despite this, there are cases where people drink rubbing alcohol, either by accident or on purpose.

Types of Rubbing Alcohol Products

The various types of products containing rubbing alcohol used by people suffering from alcohol use disorder include

• Hand sanitizers
• Disinfecting sprays
• Nail polish remover
• Paint thinners
• Many people wrongly think that rubbing alcohol is safe in small amounts because it is common in household products. However, it is important to understand that even a small amount is dangerous and can cause poisoning.

Is Isopropyl Alcohol Poisonous?

Yes, isopropyl alcohol is highly poisonous and not safe for human consumption under any circumstances. When people drink even a small amount, it can cause significant damage to the body. Unlike alcoholic beverages, isopropyl alcohol is metabolized differently by the body. When ingested, it is converted into acetone, a highly toxic substance that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Accidentally ingesting rubbing alcohol can happen in households where it is stored in unmarked containers or mistaken for water due to its similar appearance.

However, in more concerning cases, some people who are struggling with alcoholism may resort to drinking rubbing alcohol as a substitute for alcoholic beverages. This is extremely dangerous, as isopropyl alcohol’s effects on the central nervous system are far more potent and harmful than ethyl alcohol.

What Happens After Ingestion?

After ingesting rubbing alcohol, the body rapidly metabolizes it into toxic compounds. These compounds lead to a range of harmful effects:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Confusion and dizziness
• Rapid loss of consciousness
• Organ failure

How Much Isopropyl Alcohol Is Toxic to Humans?

The toxic effects of isopropyl alcohol can occur after consuming even a small amount. According to the American Association of Poison Control, consuming as little as 20 milliliters (approximately 0.7 fluid ounces) of rubbing alcohol can be fatal, depending on the person’s body weight and overall health. More significant amounts, such as 240 milliliters (about 8 ounces), can be deadly for most adults.

The symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning can develop rapidly, often within 30 minutes of ingestion. If someone is suspected of drinking rubbing alcohol, it is very important to get medical help right away.

Rubbing Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Rubbing alcohol poisoning can result in a wide range of symptoms, many of which are far more severe than those caused by ethyl alcohol consumption. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Slurred speech and impaired coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Rapid decrease in blood pressure
• Dizziness and confusion
• Slowed or irregular breathing
• Loss of consciousness

In more serious cases, isopropyl alcohol poisoning can harm organs. This includes damage to the liver and kidneys. It can also hurt the gastrointestinal tract. The central nervous system depressant effect of isopropyl alcohol can also result in respiratory failure, which can be fatal without immediate medical intervention.

If you suspect someone has consumed rubbing alcohol, it’s crucial to act quickly. Call 911 or contact the American Association of Poison Control for assistance. Time is of the essence, as isopropyl alcohol poisoning can escalate rapidly and lead to permanent health damage or death.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Northridge Addiction Treatment Center

At Northridge Addiction Treatment Center (NATC), we understand the complexities of alcohol addiction and the dangers it poses to a person’s health and well-being. Whether a person is consuming alcoholic beverages or, in extreme cases, turning to substances like rubbing alcohol or other harmful chemicals, professional treatment is essential to overcoming addiction.

NATC provides evidence-based, comprehensive addiction recovery programs that include medical detox, dual diagnosis for co-occurring mental health disorders, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and aftercare support.

Our patient-focused approach to helping people regain control of their lives breaks the cycle of alcohol dependency.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism and has resorted to dangerous substances like rubbing alcohol, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Our treatment plans are tailored to meet each person’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the best care for long-term recovery.

Contact NATC today. Our compassionate treatment specialists are eager to get you on the right path to a substance-free life.