Drinking rubbing alcohol is very dangerous, and should never be done. Rubbing alcohol usually contains isopropyl alcohol, which is highly toxic and unsafe for the human body. Drinking rubbing alcohol can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines. It also poses a risk to the liver and kidneys, with the possibility of long-term organ damage.
Rubbing alcohol can also affect the central nervous system, causing symptoms like:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Coma
The risk of alcohol poisoning is high. Signs of poisoning include:
- Stomach pain
- Throwing up
- Breathing difficulty
- Seizures
- Death
Immediate medical attention is needed if someone drinks rubbing alcohol, as the consequences can be life-threatening. It is important to remember that rubbing alcohol is meant for external use only and should never be drunk under any circumstances.
If you or a loved one drinks rubbing alcohol to cope with life, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your road to recovery.
What Is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), is a clear liquid with a strong odor. It’s a type of alcohol mixed with other chemicals which make it unsafe to drink. It is mainly used as a disinfectant (a chemical that kills germs) and as a solvent (a liquid that dissolves other substances).
As a disinfectant, rubbing alcohol is used to clean skin before injections, which helps reduce the risk of infection. It is also used to sterilize medical instruments, especially in situations where using high heat is not possible. In homes and healthcare settings, it is commonly used to disinfect surfaces, ensuring they are free from harmful germs.
As a solvent, rubbing alcohol is used in various industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is an ingredient in products like mouthwashes and hand sanitizers. In cosmetics, it is found in items such as aftershave lotions, makeup, and nail polish removers. Additionally, in the electronics industry, it is used to clean electronic devices and components by dissolving inks, oils, and resins.
Why Do People Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
People may drink rubbing alcohol because it is stronger than regular drinking alcohol (ethanol). Some individuals drink it to intoxicate themselves, while others may use it as a means of self-harm. Alcoholics might turn to rubbing alcohol in an attempt to achieve a more intense high.
Rubbing alcohol is cheaper and easier to obtain than drinking alcohol. For example, a 16-ounce bottle of rubbing alcohol costs little more than a dollar and can be bought at any time of the day from a 24-hour drug store regardless of age. Rubbing alcohol is stronger than regular alcohol (ethanol) and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the same factors in rubbing alcohol that allow a person to get drunk faster also lead to greater risks.
What Happens If You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
You may be wondering “What happens when you drink rubbing alcohol?” Drinking rubbing alcohol is highly dangerous and can be life-threatening, leading to severe health complications or even death.
When consumed, rubbing alcohol can cause symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
More severe effects include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Coma
Can You Get Drunk Off Rubbing Alcohol?
No, you cannot get drunk off rubbing alcohol. Unlike ethanol, the type of alcohol found in beverages, isopropyl alcohol is a toxic substance that can cause serious harm if ingested. People might mistakenly think they can get drunk from rubbing alcohol because it is a type of alcohol, but its effects on the body are very different and much more dangerous.
What Are the Dangers and Risks of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol?
Here are the key dangers and risks associated with ingesting rubbing alcohol:
Toxicity and Poisoning: Isopropyl alcohol is highly toxic when ingested. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to coma, respiratory depression, and death.
Central Nervous System Depression: Isopropyl alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant. It can cause severe sedation, confusion, stupor, and even respiratory arrest, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Metabolic Acidosis: The body turns isopropyl alcohol into acetone, which can lead to metabolic acidosis. This condition disrupts the body's acid-base balance, causing symptoms like rapid breathing, fatigue, and shock.
Stomach Problems: Isopropyl alcohol is a potent irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. Ingesting it can cause severe irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines, leading to internal bleeding and other complications.
Liver and Kidney Damage: Prolonged exposure to isopropyl alcohol can cause significant liver and kidney damage, as these organs are responsible for metabolizing and excreting the toxin. This can result in long-term organ dysfunction or failure.
Risk of Aspiration: Vomiting induced by ingesting isopropyl alcohol increases the risk of aspiration, where vomit enters the lungs. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Immediate and Long-term Health Effects: Even small amounts of ingested rubbing alcohol can cause acute health effects. Long-term exposure or repeated ingestion can result in chronic health issues, including persistent organ damage and neurological impairment.
Can Drinking Isopropyl Alcohol Kill You?
Yes, drinking isopropyl alcohol can kill you. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is highly toxic and meant solely for external use. When ingested, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing initial symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, and confusion. The body metabolizes isopropyl alcohol into acetone, which further increases toxicity, leading to severe central nervous system depression, respiratory arrest, and coma.
Additionally, isopropyl alcohol is a strong irritant to the gastrointestinal tract, causing significant damage to the stomach lining and intestines, potentially leading to internal bleeding. The liver and kidneys, responsible for metabolizing and excreting toxins, can suffer severe damage, resulting in acute or chronic organ failure. This can cause a dangerous accumulation of toxic substances in the body, exacerbating one’s overall health condition.
One of the most critical consequences of drinking rubbing alcohol is metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body's acid-base balance is disrupted, leading to rapid breathing, confusion, shock, and potentially death. Immediate medical attention is crucial in cases of isopropyl alcohol ingestion, with treatments including supportive care, intravenous fluids, activated charcoal, and possibly dialysis to remove the toxins. Without prompt intervention, the ingestion of isopropyl alcohol can cause death.
Overdosing on Rubbing Alcohol
Overdosing on rubbing alcohol is very dangerous, and can kill. If one drinks a lot of isopropyl alcohol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and makes them seriously ill.
Early signs of rubbing alcohol overdose include:
- Nausea
- Throwing up
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
As your body turns the alcohol into acetone, these problems get worse, leading to severe sleepiness, trouble breathing, and coma.
Immediate medical help is crucial and usually involves intravenous fluids, activated charcoal to stop more alcohol from being absorbed, and in severe cases, dialysis to clean the blood. Without quick and proper treatment, an overdose of rubbing alcohol can be deadly.
So, Can You Drink Isopropyl Alcohol?
Technically, the answer is yes- it is possible to drink isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), but it is extremely dangerous and highly inadvisable.
If you are struggling with rubbing alcohol abuse, reach out to Avenues Recovery, to receive the professional help you deserve.
Rubbing Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Treatment for rubbing alcohol abuse, especially isopropyl alcohol ingestion, needs immediate medical attention because it's highly toxic. Emergency care involves:
Stabilizing the patient: Administering IV fluids to keep the patient hydrated and maintain blood pressure.
Activated charcoal: Possibly used to limit absorption of the alcohol.
Monitoring: Regular checks of vital signs and blood tests to watch for metabolic acidosis and organ function.
Symptom management: Treating nausea, vomiting, and pain, and addressing central nervous system depression.
Psychiatric care: Once stabilized, a psychiatric evaluation assesses underlying mental health conditions, and counseling and support services are provided.
Long-term treatment: Long-term treatment may involve inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, behavioral therapies, and support groups to address the psychological aspects of substance abuse and prevent relapse.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
If you or a loved one suffer from rubbing alcohol abuse, reach out to our experts at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your road to recovery. It’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life, and our highly professional staff can show you how. Over 30,000 people have overcome their addictions through Avenues, and you can too! Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community and begin your journey to the addiction-free future of your dreams.