Drinking Rubbing Alcohol: Risks & Dangers of Ingesting Isopropyl Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful cleaner and disinfectant found in most homes. While it has many uses around the house, it is never safe to drink. “What happens if you drink rubbing alcohol” is a question commonly asked, and the consequences of doing so can be deadly. Drinking even a small amount can trigger intense pain, severe alcohol poisoning (ethanol poisoning), and possibly death.

This guide explores why drinking rubbing alcohol is never advisable, the potentially life-threatening complications it can trigger, and how to identify the signs of alcohol poisoning in yourself or a loved one. You’ll also discover how to connect with compassionate and effective treatment for alcohol addiction.

What is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a type of alcohol commonly used as a cleaning agent or disinfectant. [1] It’s a clear liquid with a strong smell and is usually found in concentrations of 70% to 99% isopropyl alcohol mixed with water. Most people keep it in their homes to clean wounds, sanitize surfaces, or remove sticky substances. In hospitals and clinics, it’s widely used for disinfecting medical tools and cleaning skin before injections.

 Rubbing alcohol is part of a group of alcohols used for non-drinking purposes. Unlike ethanol, the alcohol in drinks, rubbing alcohol is toxic if swallowed. It’s not meant to be consumed under any circumstances, and it can cause severe poisoning. It is made from chemicals that are not easily broken down in the body, producing a harmful substance called acetone, which can damage organs and lead to life-threatening side effects [2].

Why do People Drink Rubbing Alcohol?

While it might sound strange, some people do try to drink rubbing alcohol. This usually happens for one of two reasons: experimentation or desperation. For people struggling with alcohol addiction, the drive to stay intoxicated can become overwhelming, even in the face of adverse outcomes. If they can’t access regular alcoholic drinks, they might turn to other types of alcohol in the home, like rubbing alcohol. This is often cheaper, available at any pharmacy, and easy to get without an ID. However, because it is much stronger and more toxic than drinking alcohol, it carries more severe health risks.

Others might drink rubbing alcohol out of curiosity, perhaps to test its effects or because they think it will produce the same buzz as regular alcohol. Some people, especially teens, might mistakenly believe that rubbing alcohol is extremely dangerous. Many people underestimate how different it is from the alcohol in beverages and how quickly it can cause serious harm. What happens if you drink rubbing alcohol, then?

The Risks and Dangers of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

The effects of drinking rubbing alcohol are far more dangerous than consuming any amount of regular alcoholic beverages. Isopropyl alcohol is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream, and its effects are almost immediate [3]. Even a small amount can lead to severe health issues. Here are some of the major negative effects of drinking rubbing alcohol:

• Alcohol poisoning: When comparing drinking alcohol vs rubbing alcohol, rubbing alcohol is much stronger, often containing up to 99% isopropyl alcohol. Because of this, the body can’t handle it like it processes ethanol. Just a few ounces of rubbing alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, a serious condition that affects the brain, heart, liver, and other organs. Signs of alcohol poisoning may include confusion, vomiting, and seizures.
• Organ damage: Once ingested, rubbing alcohol breaks down into acetone, a chemical that’s toxic to the body. This process can damage the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Drinking rubbing alcohol puts an enormous strain on these organs, leading to long-term damage that may not be reversible.
• Internal bleeding and burns: Rubbing alcohol is highly irritating to the digestive system. When swallowed, it can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach lining. This irritation can lead to painful ulcers, bleeding in the stomach, and internal bleeding.
• Depression of the CNS: Rubbing alcohol acts as a depressant of the CNS (central nervous system), meaning it slows the functions of the CNS. This can prompt symptoms like slurred speech, dizziness, and confusion. In extreme cases, it can cause the heart rate and breathing to slow to dangerous levels, which may result in a coma and could be life-threatening.
• Risk of coma and death: Isopropyl is so potent that it can easily overwhelm the body. Drinking even a small amount can trigger a fatal overdose. People who consume rubbing alcohol may fall into a coma, experience severe organ failure, or die if they don’t receive immediate medical attention. 

Now you know what happens if you drink rubbing alcohol, it should be clear that this product should never be considered a substitute for regular alcohol. Its effects on the body are much more toxic, and the risks far outweigh any short-lived effects of intoxication.

Symptoms of Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning

Drinking even a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms may manifest within 30 minutes of drinking because it is absorbed so quickly by the body. The main symptoms of isopropyl poisoning include:

• Nausea and stomach pain: One of the first signs of poisoning is intense pain in the stomach and a feeling of nausea. Rubbing alcohol is very irritating to the digestive system, which often causes vomiting soon after it’s swallowed.
• Dizziness and confusion: Like ethanol—the alcohol in drinks—isopropyl alcohol affects the brain and CNS. People may experience dizziness, confusion, and poor coordination, making it difficult to walk or even stand. This happens because rubbing alcohol is a powerful depressant that slows down brain activity. [4]
• Vomiting blood: Isopropyl alcohol is corrosive, so it can burn the lining of the stomach, leading to bleeding. This may cause a person to vomit blood, a serious sign that immediate medical help is needed.
• Low blood pressure and weak pulse: Isopropyl alcohol can cause blood pressure to drop sharply. This can lead to a weak pulse and put the heart under strain, increasing the risk of heart failure. A person with low blood pressure may feel weak, faint, or extremely tired.
• Slurred speech and sedation: People who ingest isopropyl alcohol often appear drunk, with slurred speech and trouble staying awake. That said, isopropyl alcohol is far more toxic than drinkable alcohol and this drunken state can swiftly become dangerous, leading to loss of consciousness.
• Breathing problems: As the central nervous system slows, breathing may become shallow, slow, or stop completely. This is a life-threatening symptom, as it can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood, causing further organ and brain damage.
• Severe dehydration: The body tries to flush out toxins through vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause low blood pressure, confusion, and seizures, inflaming toxicity.
• Coma: In severe cases, the person may fall into a coma as the alcohol continues to depress the CNS. This can lead to a complete loss of consciousness and an inability to respond to the environment.
• Organ failure: The toxic effects of isopropyl alcohol extend to major organs, especially the liver and kidneys, as they try to filter out the poison. Without quick treatment, this poisoning can lead to organ damage and, ultimately, organ failure.
• Death: Isopropyl alcohol poisoning can be fatal without prompt medical intervention. Death may occur due to respiratory failure, heart failure, or widespread organ damage.

If someone is showing symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning, seek medical help immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting, as this can cause more damage to the esophagus and throat. Call 911 or a poison control center for guidance. Rapid treatment can make a major difference, possibly saving the person’s life and reducing the risk of long-term organ damage.

The Difference Between Isopropyl Alcohol and Regular Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and ethanol (regular alcohol) may sound similar, but they are very different. Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor. It’s made from fermented sugars and can be safely consumed in small amounts, although overuse can still cause serious health problems.

 Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is not intended for human consumption. It’s a toxic chemical used in cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants. While ethanol is processed in the body in a way that allows safe, moderate drinking, isopropyl alcohol breaks down into harmful chemicals like acetone. This makes it far more dangerous to ingest, even in small quantities. 

Will Drinking Isopropyl Alcohol Get You Drunk?

Drinking isopropyl alcohol might cause some effects of intoxication, such as dizziness or slurred speech, but it is extremely dangerous and, due to its toxic nature, unlikely to produce any of the enticing effects of regular alcohol.  Isopropyl alcohol is much stronger than ethanol, so even a small amount can rapidly overwhelm the body. Instead of a buzz, drinking rubbing alcohol will cause nausea, confusion, or even a blackout (unconsciousness). The toxic effects of isopropyl alcohol are much more intense than typical alcoholic drinks, making rubbing alcohol a life-threatening choice for anyone trying to get drunk. 

Get First-Class Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in California

All types of alcohol addictions are disruptive, but it is a treatable condition—we can help you get back on track at California Detox in Laguna Beach, CA. 

When you choose medical detox at our luxury beachside facility, you can access medications and continuous clinical and emotional care as you withdraw from alcohol safely. After a week of detox, you transition to ongoing inpatient treatment.

You will address the psychological side of alcohol addiction and learn coping skills for continued recovery. All addictions are unique, so all California Detox treatment plans are personalized. Therapies may include:

• Counseling
• Talk therapies
• Motivational therapies
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Aftercare planning 

Begin your recovery from alcohol addiction by calling 888-995-4208. 

Sources 

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/isopropyl-alcohol

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8564060/ 

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493181/

[4] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health