Recognizing alcohol poisoning
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 8 of 25

Alcohol poisoning is an emergency. Someone who cannot stay awake or breathe normally needs immediate help.

Warning signs
- Unable to wake or remain conscious.
- Slow or irregular breathing.
- Seizures, severe confusion, or vomiting with reduced awareness.
- Very cold or clammy skin.

Get help now
Call 911. Do not wait for all the symptoms. Alcohol can continue entering the bloodstream after someone stops drinking. Stay with the person and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If unconscious but breathing normally, place them on their side. If not breathing normally, start dispatcher-guided CPR.

Do not rely on sobering up tricks
Coffee, walking, or a cold shower will not reverse alcohol poisoning. Do not force food or drinks or make the person vomit. Give responders any information you know about alcohol, medications, or other substances taken. Naloxone does not reverse alcohol alone; use it if opioids may also be involved.

If you are helping someone
Know the difference between someone who is awake and someone who cannot be woken. Call 911 for danger signs.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Make sure the people you spend time with know that “sleep it off” can be dangerous.

Learn more
NIAAA — Alcohol overdose
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/recognizing-alcohol-poisoning

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

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