Treatment

Alcohol Intoxication in India: Understanding the Stages, Symptoms, and How to Get Help Before It’s Too Late

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Last Updated on: 02 Jun 2025

In India, alcohol has long been tied to celebration, relaxation, and social life. But sometimes, what starts as “just a drink or two” can quickly spiral into something dangerous. Alcohol intoxication isn’t just about being drunk—it’s a medical condition, and one that’s becoming alarmingly common.

Recent data paints a concerning picture. A 2019 national survey by AIIMS and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment revealed that around 160 million Indians consume alcohol. Out of those, more than 5.7 crore people are considered problem users, and roughly 2.9 crore are alcohol-dependent (NDDTC-AIIMS report).

While national figures show a slight drop in alcohol use, thanks to awareness efforts and health programs, some states still report very high drinking rates. Goa, for example, tops the list with 59.1% of adult males consuming alcohol, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana (India Today).

The effects go beyond numbers. Emergency rooms across the country frequently treat cases of alcohol intoxication, road accidents, and poisoning. In 2024, over 65 people died in Tamil Nadu after consuming methanol-contaminated liquor (Wikipedia).

Understanding what happens during intoxication, how to spot it early, and when to seek help can save lives. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the stages, symptoms, causes, and treatment of alcohol intoxication, along with where to find help before things go too far.

What Is Alcohol Intoxication?

Simply put, alcohol intoxication happens when someone drinks more alcohol than their body can handle. Our liver is a hard-working organ, but it processes alcohol slowly, about one drink per hour. When we drink faster than the liver can keep up, alcohol builds up in the bloodstream and begins affecting the brain, nervous system, and vital organs.

That’s when you’ll start noticing symptoms: from feeling “buzzed” to passing out—and worse.

It’s not about being drunk in a fun or silly way. It’s about your body entering a toxic state. And once that line is crossed, things can turn life-threatening fast.

The 7 Stages of Alcohol Intoxication

Not all drunkenness is the same. There’s a spectrum, and it's essential to understand the stages of alcohol intoxication to know where fun ends and danger begins.

Let’s break it down:

1. Sober (BAC below 0.01%)
   You’re alert, normal. There might be alcohol in your system, but you’re fully functioning.
   
2. Euphoria (BAC 0.03–0.12%)
   This is the "sweet spot" where most social drinkers want to stay. You feel happy, relaxed, and a little more talkative.
   
3. Excitement (BAC 0.09–0.25%)
   Balance starts slipping. Your reaction time slows down, and decision-making becomes poor. You’re louder, less filtered, maybe even reckless.
   
4. Confusion (BAC 0.18–0.30%)
   Speech is slurred, coordination is worse, and memory becomes patchy. You may not remember this part the next morning.
   
5. Stupor (BAC 0.25–0.40%)
   The person can’t move properly, may throw up, or lose consciousness. Danger is high.
   
6. Coma (BAC 0.35–0.50%)
   Breathing slows, the heart rate drops, and the person may slip into a coma. This is a medical emergency.
   
7. Death (BAC over 0.50%)
   The body shuts down. Cardiac arrest or respiratory failure may follow.
   

So yes, the same alcohol we sip at parties can shut down our body when taken in excess. That’s why knowing the stages of alcohol intoxication isn’t just helpful—it could save lives.

Recognising the Symptoms: More Than Just Being “Drunk”

So what are the tell-tale signs someone is beyond tipsy and headed into dangerous territory?

Here are the key symptoms of alcohol intoxication:

• Slurred or incoherent speech
  
• Lack of coordination (bumping into things, falling)
  
• Vomiting or gagging
  
• Confusion, memory lapses
  
• Slow or irregular breathing
  
• Hypothermia (chilly skin, bluish tone)
  
• Seizures
  
• Losing consciousness or being hard to wake up
  
• Aggression or unusual behaviour
  

If someone shows multiple symptoms, especially if they’re unconscious or breathing slowly, don’t assume they’ll “sleep it off.” Call for help. Seconds count.

Visit Jagruti Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre in Pune today for the better treatment.

What Causes Alcohol Intoxication?

Now you may be thinking—why do some people get intoxicated quickly while others drink more and seem fine?

Let’s unpack what causes alcohol intoxication:

1. Binge drinking – Common at Indian weddings, hostel parties, and even corporate retreats. Drinking 4–5 pegs quickly overwhelms the liver.
   
2. Empty stomach – Drinking without eating speeds up alcohol absorption, and the impact is felt faster.
   
3. Low body weight – The less you weigh, the more concentrated the alcohol becomes in your body.
   
4. Poor liver health – If your liver isn't working well (due to hepatitis, fatty liver, etc.), it can't break down alcohol properly.
   
5. Mixing substances – Taking alcohol with sleep meds, antidepressants, or even cough syrup can dangerously amplify effects.
   
6. Low tolerance – Everyone’s tolerance is different. If you rarely drink, even a couple of glasses can push you over the edge.
   

So while it may look like “just a few drinks,” the body may not see it that way.

Treating Alcohol Intoxication: What You Should Do

When someone reaches the danger zone of intoxication, acting fast is critical.

What to Do Immediately:

• Call an ambulance or take them to the nearest hospital.
  
• Turn the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
  
• Keep them warm and monitor their breathing.
  
• Do not give them coffee, food, or try to "shake them awake."
  
• Stay with them and keep them safe until help arrives.

Hospital Treatment May Include:

• IV fluids to prevent dehydration
  
• Oxygen therapy
  
• Stomach pumping if alcohol was recently consumed
  
• Sedatives or seizure control medication, if necessary
  
• 24/7 monitoring to ensure organs are not shutting down

If the person survives the episode, long-term care like rehab may be needed. Because, let’s be honest, this usually isn’t their first time drinking too much.

Why Jagruti Rehab Is Here for You

Let’s face it—alcohol problems rarely stop on their own. If you or someone you love keeps drinking to the point of blackouts or hospital visits, it’s time to seek help.

At Jagruti Rehab, we provide:

• Medically assisted detox to remove alcohol safely
  
• Expert psychiatric care for underlying mental health issues
  
• Personalised recovery plans
  
• Family support programs
  
• Ongoing aftercare to prevent relapse
  

Whether it’s the first scare or the final straw, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Find support for addiction at Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre in Delhi, where healing isn’t just possible—it’s personal.

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.