Substance guides

Signs of alcohol poisoning: When to call 911

Published March 9, 2026 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals. Editorial process.

Alcohol poisoning kills approximately 2,200 Americans every year. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Knowing the signs can save a life — including the life of someone who is too intoxicated to save themselves.

Signs that require 911 immediately

Call 911 if someone who has been drinking shows any of these signs: unconscious or cannot be awakened, breathing is slow (fewer than 8 breaths per minute), breathing is irregular (gaps of 10+ seconds between breaths), skin is pale, blue-tinged, or cold and clammy, vomiting while unconscious or semi-conscious, or seizures. Do not wait for all of these signs to be present. Any single one of these in someone who has been drinking heavily warrants an emergency call.

What to do while waiting for help

Keep the person on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking if they vomit. Do not leave them alone. Do not give them coffee, food, or water — they cannot safely swallow. Do not put them in a cold shower — this can cause hypothermia or shock. Do not try to make them walk — they may fall and injure themselves. Monitor their breathing continuously. Be prepared to perform CPR if breathing stops. When paramedics arrive, tell them what and how much the person drank, whether they took any other substances, and any medical conditions you know about.

Common myths that kill people

"Let them sleep it off" — BAC can continue rising for 30-40 minutes after the last drink as alcohol absorbs from the stomach. A person who seems "just drunk" can progress to alcohol poisoning while "sleeping it off." "They will be fine — they drank that much before" — tolerance to behavioral effects does not equal tolerance to lethal effects. The dose that suppresses breathing does not change significantly with tolerance. "They would be embarrassed if I called 911" — embarrassment is temporary. Death is permanent. Always err on the side of calling.

Find a location near you

Shelby County Treatment Center

Alabaster, AL

Call 205-216-0200

Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc

Alexander City, AL

Call 256-234-4894

South Central Alabama MHC

Andalusia, AL

Call 334-428-5050

Anniston Fellowship House Inc

Anniston, AL

Call 256-236-7229

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Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: NIDA · SAMHSA · CDC · FDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

How much alcohol causes alcohol poisoning?

There is no universal safe amount. It depends on body weight, tolerance, rate of consumption, food in the stomach, and individual metabolism. Binge drinking (5+ drinks in 2 hours for men, 4+ for women) significantly increases risk.

Can you die from alcohol poisoning?

Yes. Approximately 2,200 Americans die from alcohol poisoning each year. Death occurs from respiratory depression, choking on vomit, hypothermia, or cardiac arrest.

Should I call 911 or wait to see if they get better?

Call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, breathing slowly, or showing any signs listed above. BAC can continue rising after the last drink. Waiting can be fatal.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.