Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol? Dangers and Effects

Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol? Dangers and Effects

Drinking rubbing alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning – even death. People have died after drinking one pint of isopropyl alcohol. The human body absorbs rubbing alcohol very quickly. Approximately 80 percent is absorbed within 30 minutes of ingestion. Because of its chemical makeup, rubbing alcohol does not metabolize in the human body.

People struggling with alcoholism or addiction might see that rubbing alcohol has “alcohol” in its title, know that it’s cheaper than distilled or fermented ethanol, it’s widely available over the counter (and under-the-counter, as many people store it under bathroom or kitchen sinks, particularly when there’s no risk of small children accidentally drinking it), and drinking rubbing alcohol can lead to intoxication.

The side effects of rubbing alcohol poisoning are the same as those of a drunk person. However, it’s not even close to being the same alcohol you purchase at liquor stores. This substance is a poison. Drinking just a small amount can result in life- threatening consequences.

What is Rubbing Alcohol Used for?

Rubbing alcohol is a relatively recent invention, as the term was only fully realized in the 1920s. It was first used as a lining or soaking solution for bandages.

Since that time, rubbing alcohol has become a standard inclusion in most medical kits and hospital environments. It’s capable of thoroughly disinfecting any surfaces in just seconds, so it’s frequently used on open wounds and for surgical instruments.

Rubbing Alcohol vs Drinking Alcohol

Whats the difference between rubbing alcohol and drinking alcohol? Rubbing alcohol is made mostly from isopropyl alcohol and a little water. Other alcohols, such as methanol, are often mixed with it at very high concentrations to produce a distinct smell and deter its consumption. It is denatured, which means that it has been made poisonous. The concentrations and types of alcohol used are very toxic to humans and can quickly cause brain damage or death.

Alcohol that is relatively safe for human consumption is ethanol based and contains much less alcohol produced by distillation or the fermentation of sugars. This keeps the amount of alcohol in a drink much lower than the concentration found in rubbing alcohol.

is rubbing alcohol the same as drinking alcohol? Rubbing alcohol is close to 100% alcohol. Both kinds of alcohol are toxic to the human body, however. Because of the much lower concentrations found in beverages, the effects are rarely life threatening. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation to prevent alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.

The mixture of alcohols found in rubbing alcohol is what produces its odor. This can be used to identify the liquid, acting as a warning to those handling it that it is not consumable. Methanol is very poisonous to humans, even in small concentrations. Ethanol found in beer is produced as a byproduct of the reaction between sugars found in the yeast and malt used in the brewing process.

When the yeast is added, it feeds off of the sugar, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol. Once the alcohol gets to a certain level, there will not be enough sugar left to continue feeding the yeast, which can then be filtered out of the mixture. This keeps the amount of alcohol between 4 and 12% by volume.

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Why Do People Drink Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is consumed because it is much more potent than ethanol (the intoxicating substance produced by sugar fermentation and distillation) which is found in most common alcoholic drinks. Individuals drink rubbing alcohol to become intoxicated, or in some cases, to do self-harm. In addition, individuals suffering from alcoholism may turn to more potent substances such as rubbing alcohol to reach a certain level of drunkenness.

Rubbing alcohol is sometimes substituted for ethanol due to its much lower cost and widespread availability. For instance, a 16-ounce bottle of rubbing alcohol costs little more than one dollar and can be bought pretty much any time of the day at a 24-hour drug store. Rubbing alcohol is also more powerful than ethanol and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream [2]. But these same characteristics that allow someone to get more intoxicated more quickly are also responsible for the extreme risks and dangers of drinking rubbing alcohol.

Types of Alcohol

There are three types of alcohol classified by chemists: methyl, isopropyl, and ethyl alcohol. Most types of rubbing alcohol are made from isopropyl alcohol, with concentrations of 68-99 percent alcohol in water. It’s tastes horrible, colorless, smells like fingernail polish remover, and can be found in antifreeze, antiseptic hand sanitizers, paint, household cleaners, thinner, sterilizers, and personal care products in order to make this substance unpleasant to drink, isopropyl alcohol is mixed with chemicals in a laboratory to give it a bitter taste.

Methyl alcohol, methanol, and wood alcohol—named because it was once produced as a byproduct of the destructive distillation of wood—are all the same type of alcohol. Methyl alcohol is commonly found in paint remover, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, copy machines, carburetor fluid, octane boosters, canned fuels for boats or camp stoves, or—very commonly—converted to formaldehyde. It’s strong, flammable, and colorless and can be absorbed through the skin, eyes, lungs, and digestive system. Symptoms of ingesting Methyl alcohol include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, blurred vision or blindness (formaldehyde can damage optic nerves), fatigue, and damage to the nervous system, stomach, and intestines.

Ethyl alcohol, commonly known as ethanol, drinking alcohol, or grain alcohol, is found in most alcoholic beverages. It’s flammable, colorless, and—when denatured (think: chemicals added to discourage recreational abuse)—can be used as a topical antiseptic or fuel additive. Ethanol is the scientific name for the intoxicating agent produced when sugar is fermented by yeast. 

Dangers of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

Drinking rubbing alcohol can lead to the fast absorption of the substance in the body, leading to quick and toxic effects. Because of the differences in chemical composition, isopropyl is not metabolized as quickly or as efficiently as ethyl alcohol. Through the metabolizing process, the human body breaks down isopropyl alcohol into formate, carbon dioxide, and acetone, a toxic chemical found in nail polish.

Drinking as little as 20 ml (less than an ounce) of rubbing alcohol can lead to evident side effects within 30 to 60 minutes. Larger volumes can be even more harmful and potentially lead to life-threatening consequences. Additional exposure to rubbing alcohol to the skin, eyes, or through excessive inhalation can also cause harmful side effects needing medical attention.

Can I drink rubbing alcohol? Isopropyl alcohol is toxic to drink and can result in moderate to severe side effects. Drinking large amounts can have dangerous consequences, including death. According to the National Toxicology Network, the lethal dose of rubbing alcohol for an adult is 250 ml (8.4 oz).

Reactions to the ingestion of isopropyl alcohol can vary for each person. Although small amounts may not have life-threatening results for some, it can still have toxic consequences and cause severe damage to different functions in the body.

Can Drinking Rubbing Alcohol Kill You?

Drinking rubbing alcohol won’t only get someone drunk on this dangerously toxic beverage, they’ll black out and possibly even die. The estimated lethal dose of 90 to 100 percent isopropyl alcohol for human adults is only 250 milliliters, or about 8 ounces.” Eight ounces. To put it in perspective: the average shot glass is 1.5 ounces. A can of Coke is 12 ounces. Ingesting only eight ounces of rubbing alcohol can kill you.

If a person drinks even a small amount and has any of the above-mentioned side effects, call 911—medical attention is necessary fast. Do not induce vomiting. The caustic nature of rubbing alcohol can cause chemical burns to the esophagus. If rubbing alcohol was inhaled, move to fresh air. If the substance is on the skin, flush with water. Before calling 911, know the person’s age, weight and condition; name of the product; time it was swallowed and how much was swallowed.

Effects of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

What happens when you drink rubbing alcohol? Drinking rubbing alcohol is much riskier and more dangerous compared to drinking ethanol. Isopropyl alcohol is more intoxicating than ethanol at the same concentrations and is more likely to produce impaired consciousness (such as stumbling, slurred speech, and sedation), dangerously low blood pressure, decreased body heat production, and even cardiopulmonary collapse. In addition, rubbing alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the body, with blood levels peaking between 30 minutes and 3 hours after ingestion. Finally, due to the chemical makeup of rubbing, alcohol is metabolized much differently than ethanol, causing the body to become overwhelmed by toxins. Essentially, rubbing alcohol is broken down into acetone, the toxic chemical found in nail polish remover [3].

Acetone is a gastrointestinal irritant that can cause the following digestive tract issues:

Acetone also triggers severe depression of the central nervous system. This can result in the following dangerous conditions:

Alcoholism Treatment

First and foremost, if you think a loved one is abusing alcohol, you should research the substances and their associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs.  Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of alcohol addiction in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.

In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of alcohol withdrawal. 

Alcohol Detox

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated alcohol withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete the alcohol detox.

Cravings are very common during alcohol detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using alcohol and other substances, but alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy 

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or an addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.

Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our opioid addiction treatment program medically. So, reclaim your life, and call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Alcohol addiction is a condition that can cause major health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and clarify issues like alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.

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