Alcohol poisoning - limits, complications, aid with poisonings
Isabella Taylor
2026-03-23
8 min. read
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In Poland, more than 80% of the adult population consumes alcohol. The majority of them consume it with caution, however, around 3 million people abuse alcohol, which results in negative consequences for them and their surroundings. It is estimated that as much as one in five individuals who abuse alcohol are dependent on it.
What mechanisms lead to the development of alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning occurs when an individual consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, overwhelming the body's ability to process and eliminate the toxic compounds. The substances in alcohol disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms such as weakness, impaired speech, headaches, nausea, balance disorders, and vomiting. These compounds are absorbed through the digestive tract - first by the stomach and then by the intestines. Peak blood alcohol concentration is typically reached within 30 to 180 minutes after consumption. Beverages with an alcohol content of 15-30% are absorbed most rapidly, whereas stronger or weaker alcohols are absorbed more slowly. The absorption rate also depends on the presence of food in the digestive tract - alcohol consumed on an empty stomach is absorbed much faster. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, breaking down ethanol by 90-98%, while the remainder is excreted unchanged through urine and respiration. During metabolism, the liver converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which then transforms into acetic acid. In this final reaction, disulfiram is inhibited, leading to acetaldehyde accumulation and severe poisoning symptoms. These symptoms resemble a typical hangover but occur with significantly greater intensity.
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