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Emergency Medicine

The Effects of Alcohol Use on the Mind and Body (Alcohol Intoxication): What to Know

The Effects of Alcohol Use on the Mind and Body (Alcohol Intoxication): What to Know

Alcohol intoxication happens when someone drinks enough alcohol that their brain and body have trouble working like usual. The person may think, walk, or talk differently.

Alcohol intoxication becomes much more dangerous when someone:

  • Mixes alcohol and other drugs or medicines.

  • Drinks a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time. This is also called binge drinking.

What increases the risk?

How alcohol affects a person depends on:

  • The amount of alcohol a person drinks and how fast they drink it.

    • Drinking more alcohol and drinking it faster causes stronger effects.

  • Age. Kids and older adults can feel stronger effects from smaller amounts of alcohol.

  • Body weight. Smaller bodies reach higher alcohol levels faster. So the alcohol will have a stronger effect.

  • History of drinking alcohol.

    • A person who drinks alcohol often may not feel the effects as much as someone who doesn't drink often.

  • Other health problems.

    • Conditions like diabetes, seizures, or heart disease can make drinking more dangerous.

What are the signs or symptoms?

A person may:

  • Slur their words or talk strangely.

  • Stumble, sway, or fall.

  • Feel tired or very sleepy.

  • Make unsafe or risky choices.

  • Throw up.

  • Breathe slowly.

  • Pass out or not wake up easily.

The effects can be small at first, but can become very serious.

How is this diagnosed?

You may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms.

  • Your medical history. You may be asked about:

    • Your medical and mental health history.

    • Your family's medical and mental health histories.

    • Any substances you use or have used in the past, including how much alcohol you have had and when.

  • Tests, such as a blood test. These can check for other problems that could be causing your symptoms.

How is this treated?

Treatment helps to make sure the person is safe until the alcohol leaves their body.

Treatment may include:

  • Monitoring heartbeat and breathing.

  • Fluids, like water.

  • Medicines.

Follow these instructions at home:

Alcohol use

  • Do not drink alcohol if:

    • Your health care provider tells you not to drink.

    • You're pregnant, may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

    • You're under age 21.

    • You take medicines that don't mix with alcohol.

  • If you drink alcohol:

    • Limit how much you have to:* 0–1 drink a day if you're female.* 0–2 drinks a day if you're male.

    • Know how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink is one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).

    • Make sure to eat something while you drink.

    • Avoid drinking games because they can make you drink too much.

    • Do not drive if you were drinking. Ride with a safe, responsible driver who has not been drinking.

    • Have a responsible person stay with you if you're intoxicated. You should notbe left alone.

General instructions

  • Take your medicines only as told.

Where to find support

Where to find more information

To learn more, go to:

  • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at niaaa.nih.govopens in new tab/window. Then:

    1. Type "Alcohol's Effects on Health" in the search field.

    2. Find the links you need.

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at samhsa.govopens in new tab/window. Then:

    1. Click on "Substance Use."

    2. Click on "Alcohol."

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.govopens in new tab/window. Then:

    1. Type "Alcohol Use and Your Health" in the search field.

    2. Find the links you need.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your symptoms don't get better.

  • Your symptoms get worse.

  • You have new symptoms.

  • You have problems at work, school, or home due to drinking.

Get help right away if:

  • You have any of the following:

    • Trouble staying awake.

    • Very slow or strange breathing.

    • Seizures.

    • Throw-up that's bright red or looks like coffee grounds.

    • Black or bloody poop.

  • You have thoughts about hurting yourself or others.

  • You have thoughts about taking your own life.

  • You have other thoughts or feelings that worry you.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Take one of these steps right away:

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Document Revised: 04/16/2026 Document Reviewed: 04/03/2026

Elsevier Patient Education © 2026 Elsevier Inc.