Intoxication

What is intoxication?

Intoxication is a temporary condition following the consumption of alcohol or other psychoactive substances. It results in changes in your:

• Level of consciousness.
• Mental abilities (cognition).
• Perception.
• Mood.
• Behavior.
• Coordination.

Intoxication is generally a short-term phenomenon. But how long it lasts can vary based on several factors, like:

• How much of the substance you take or consume.
• If you take or consume more than one substance.
• Your body composition.
• Your age.
• Your overall health.

The intensity and effects of intoxication wear off with time. They go away completely when you stop using the substance.

Mild to moderate intoxication itself typically doesn’t require medical attention. But it can lead to certain issues (like violent behavior) or injuries (like falls), which may need medical treatment. Healthcare providers consider severe intoxication of a substance to be poisoning or overdose (like alcohol poisoning or opioid overdose). Poisonings and overdoses are life-threatening.

What substances cause intoxication?

Any substance that causes mind-altering effects can lead to intoxication. This includes things like:

• Schedule I drugs (like heroin and LSD).
• Prescription medications, especially schedule II, III, IV and V drugs.
• Certain over-the-counter medications, like cough syrups.
• Certain cleaning products, like bleach fumes.
• Certain household products, like paint thinners and glues.

Specific examples of substances that can cause intoxication include:

• Alcohol.
• Benzodiazepines (benzos).
• Cannabis (marijuana).
• Dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant).
• Opioids.
• Hallucinogens.
• Inhalants.
• Nicotine.
• Stimulants, like cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin®).

What are the symptoms of intoxication?

The symptoms of intoxication vary based on the substance(s) and how much of it/them you take or consume. Intoxication affects how your nervous system functions. So, it can cause both physical symptoms and mental/behavioral symptoms.

Mental and behavioral symptoms of intoxication may include:

• Aggression.
• Agitation.
• Anxiety.
• Decreased levels of consciousness, like drowsiness or lethargy.
• Euphoria.
• Hallucinations.
• Impaired judgment.
• Inattention or difficulty focusing.
• Increased energy or hyperactivity.
• Memory issues.
• Mood swings (mood lability).
• Paranoia.
• Risk-taking behaviors.

Physical symptoms of intoxication may include:

• Balance and coordination issues.
• Blurred vision.
• Body temperature changes (hyperthermia or hypothermia).
• Constricted or dilated pupils.
• Flushed face.
• Heart rate changes, like tachycardia.
• High or low blood pressure.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Slurred speech (dysarthria).

These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Being intoxicated from more than one substance creates more unpredictable symptoms. It’s usually more dangerous. If someone near you who’s intoxicated loses consciousness, has breathing problems or otherwise can’t function, get medical help immediately.

What causes intoxication?

In general, intoxication happens because substances interfere with how your brain works. More specifically, substances affect how nerve cells (neurons) send, receive and process signals via neurotransmitters (chemical messengers).

Humans have at least 100 types of neurotransmitters. They play a lot of different roles in your nervous system, especially in your brain. For example, monoamine neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine) regulate consciousness, cognition, attention and emotion.

Each substance affects how your brain uses specific neurotransmitters in different ways. That’s why each substance has characteristic intoxication symptoms.

Intoxication can be intentional or accidental. For example, many people drink alcohol to experience its intoxicating effects. And children may accidentally consume a substance and experience intoxication.

What are the complications of intoxication?

Mild to moderate intoxication itself typically isn’t harmful to your health. But the effects of intoxication (like coordination issues and impaired judgment) can lead to issues, like:

• Injuries: People experiencing intoxication are more likely to accidentally injure themselves or someone else. Intoxication that causes extreme aggression can lead to acts of violence.
• Worsening underlying health conditions: Intoxication from certain substances can worsen underlying health conditions, like heart issues or mental health conditions.
• Risk of addiction and substance use disorder: Use or misuse of any substance can lead to addiction or substance use disorder. The intoxicating effect of euphoria is one key factor that contributes to addiction.
• Work and relationship issues: The cognitive and behavior changes involved with intoxication can affect your ability to do your job and negatively affect your relationships with others.
• Legal issues: Intoxication has legal consequences in certain situations, like driving under the influence (DUI). And certain states in the U.S. have public intoxication laws. Intoxication can also make you uninhibited and have impaired judgment, which may make it more likely that you’ll break a law.

It’s important to get professional help if intoxication is affecting your life or you’re concerned about developing a substance use disorder. Talk to a healthcare provider or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1.800.662.4357. Someone will be available to help.

How is intoxication diagnosed?

There typically isn’t a need to diagnose intoxication. But if you go to the emergency room for another issue while intoxicated or are experiencing accidental intoxication, a healthcare provider will want to know what’s in your system.

Providers can order various tests, like blood and urine (pee) tests, to check for substances in your system. For example, they may order blood alcohol level (BAL) tests or drug tests.

It’s important to be honest about your substance use if you’re in the hospital while intoxicated. The symptoms of intoxication overlap with several other medical conditions. So, being honest will help your provider rule out other issues and give you the best care.

What is the treatment for intoxication?

By definition, the combination of time and stopping the use of the substance is the main way to “treat” intoxication. How long this takes can vary. Intoxication usually doesn’t require medical attention unless it leads to injuries or medical complications.

Poisonings and overdose (severe intoxication) require immediate medical attention.

How can I prevent accidental intoxication?

Some steps you can take to avoid accidental intoxication include:

• Take your medications as prescribed: Your healthcare provider carefully considers your dose so that it’s medically helpful and not intoxicating. Don’t ever take more than instructed. If you have issues remembering if you’ve taken your medication, keep notes or use a smartphone app to track it.
• Keep medications and substances away from children: Safely store medications, cleaning supplies and substances away from children (and pets). Even a small amount can lead to intoxication in children.
• Socialize safely: If you plan to drink socially, take certain safety precautions. For example, never leave your drink unattended and don’t accept drinks or food from other people. If you feel “off” or unsafe, tell a trusted loved one immediately and get help.

When should I see my healthcare provider about intoxication?

If you’re concerned about developing a substance use disorder, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can connect you with resources to get treatment that’s right for you.

When should I go to the ER for intoxication?

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or a loved one:

• Have a serious injury, like a head injury or broken bone.
• Have suicidal behavior or thoughts of harming others.
• Have signs of severe intoxication (poisoning or overdose).

General signs of severe intoxication include:

• Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive.
• Seizures.
• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Altered mental status.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Blue lips and skin (cyanosis).