Alcohol
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common, strong psychoactive drugs. It has a long history of use and its intoxicating effects are well-studied and well-documented. Learn more about it on Erowid or read on to learn about effects and risks!
Alcohol is one of the most common, strong psychoactive drugs. It has a long history of use and its intoxicating effects are well-studied and well-documented. Learn more about it on Erowid or read on to learn about effects and risks!
Categories of effects come from Erowid
Positive
relaxation
increased sociability
lowered inhibitions, reduced social anxiety
reduces pain perception
muscle relaxant
Neutral
slurred speech
flushed skin
drowsiness, sleepiness
difficulty focusing eyes
changed (often increased) response to sexual stimuli
tolerance with repeated use within a few days
mild visual distortions at high doses
reduced impulse control
Negative
decreased coordination
reduced ability to stand still
nausea, vomiting
reduced ability to judge own impairment
disinhibited communication
emotional volatility
reduced ability to attain/maintain erection in most males
increased difficulty in achieving orgasm in some females
frequent urination
dizziness and confusion
Passing out, unconsciousness
blackouts and memory loss at high doses
coma and death at extreme doses
brain and liver damage (cirrhosis) with heavy use
hangover, lasting 12-36 hours, from mild to severe after heavy use
fetal damage in pregnant women at high dose or frequency
Alcohol poisoning occurs when there’s so much alcohol in your bloodstream that it starts shutting down life-supporting areas of your brain. These areas control your breathing, heart rate, and temperature.
Signs of alcohol poisoning may include:
Confusion and slowed responses
Lack of coordination or being unable to walk
Difficulty remaining conscious
Vomiting
Delayed or absent gag reflex, which could lead to choking on vomit
Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute) or irregular breathing
Slow heart rate
Problems with bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
Cold, clammy or bluish-colored skin (cyanosis), especially around the lips and fingernails
Low body temperature (hypothermia)
Get the person to the hospital
Call 911 if the individual has lost consciousness or is not breathing. If it has not progressed to that state and you are able, drive them to the hospital.
You do not need to mention to the operator that you or the individual has been drinking if you are not comfortable with that. Describe their symptoms instead.
Do not try to reverse the effects on your own
Cold showers, hot coffee, and walking do not reverse the effects of alcohol overdose and could actually make things worse.
Do not leave the intoxicated person alone
They are at risk of getting injured from falling or choking. Keep the person on the ground in a sitting or partially upright position rather than in a chair
Help if they are vomiting
Have them lean forward to prevent choking. If a person is unconscious or lying down, roll them onto one side with an ear toward the ground to prevent choking