Outpatient treatment is less intensive than inpatient or partial hospitalization programs. Medical care professionals treating patients for alcohol poisoning should check for possible Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Some signs to watch for include decreased mood and appetite, memory problems, headache, and fatigue.
What Are The Stages of Intoxication?
At this stage, those around the individual will likely notice that they are visibly intoxicated. The information on this website should not be taken as alcoholism treatment in which stage of intoxication does an individual become aggressive medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship.
Stupor (0.25 – 0.49% BAC)
As the stages of intoxication progress, the physical symptoms can become more pronounced and potentially life-threatening. The stuporous stage, for example, can lead to significant impairments in respiratory and cardiovascular functioning, including slow and shallow breathing, decreased blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, intoxication can alcoholism lead to coma or even death, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or if an individual is unresponsive. The effects of intoxication on judgment and decision-making can be particularly pronounced during the euphoric stage, which is characterized by increased feelings of confidence and invincibility. During this stage, individuals may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as excessive drinking or substance use, and may be less likely to recognize the potential consequences of their actions. As the stages progress, the impairments in judgment and decision-making can become more severe, leading to significant increases in the risk of accidents, injuries, and other adverse outcomes.
Stage 4: Severe Impairment
This is a zombie-like stage of intoxication, and there’s the chance of experiencing alcohol poisoning, coma, or death. No two people who drink alcohol experience the exact same effects. At a BAC of 0.05 or less, the individual is unlikely to appear intoxicated. Depending on the person, judgment and reaction time may be mildly impaired.
The individual’s reflexes and motor responses are minimal to absent, and their body temperature is extremely low. At this stage, coma or death is highly likely without emergency medical intervention. A person with a BAC between 0.18% to 0.30% is in the confusion stage of intoxication. This stage is marked by disorientation, confusion, and extreme moodiness, along with the impairments of previous stages.
Understanding the Stages of Alcohol Intoxication
- Blood alcohol content, or blood alcohol concentration, (BAC) measures the amount of alcohol in your blood.
- The goal of outpatient treatment is to provide therapy, education, and support in a flexible environment.
Most programs help set up your aftercare once you complete the inpatient portion of your treatment. A person at this stage can barely move or stand, is prone to vomiting, and may slip in and out of consciousness. The chance of an alcohol overdose is very high here, and medical help should be sought immediately. In extreme cases, serious breathing issues can occur.8 Other dangers include a higher risk for injury from fights or accidents. One of the most common types of addiction is alcohol addiction. If it isn’t resolved, the addiction might cause damaged relationships, a poor career, and poor health.
How can individuals reduce their risk of intoxication and its associated health consequences?
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. The level of intoxication depends on how much alcohol has been consumed. This stage is not generally calculated because there is no proof that there is enough alcohol in the bloodstream to have noticeable effects. Behavioral Signs In the Euphoria Stage, a person may show lowered inhibitions and become more chatty and self-confident.