Rubbing alcohol may seem like a harmless household item, but it is incredibly dangerous to drink. It is very different from alcohol that you drink at parties or at home with friends. There is a huge difference between sipping a glass of wine and ingesting rubbing alcohol.
This blog was created to help you understand the dangers of drinking rubbing alcohol. Can you die from drinking rubbing alcohol? What should you do if someone you love drank rubbing alcohol by mistake? How can a professional team help you deal with the consequences of ingesting isopropyl alcohol?
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What Is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a common household item used for cleaning and disinfection. It is present in many health and cleaning products, and it is widely used by medical professionals and ordinary people at home.
While rubbing alcohol is only meant for topical application, some people may decide to drink it. This is a terrible idea—isopropyl alcohol is not meant for human consumption, and it is dangerous to ingest it.
Can You Die From Drinking Rubbing Alcohol?
Yes, it is possible to die from drinking rubbing alcohol. The fatal dosage depends on a variety of factors—your age, weight, health condition, allergies, and much more. Even if you do not die from ingesting isopropyl alcohol, you may seriously harm your body by drinking it.
There is a huge difference between safe-to-drink ethanol and dangerous isopropyl alcohol. If you are worried about someone you love accidentally drinking rubbing alcohol stored in a mislabeled bottle, you should learn about the symptoms of rubbing alcohol poisoning to react fast in case of an emergency.
Symptoms of Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning
Here are the most common signs of rubbing alcohol poisoning you should look out for:
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness and confusion
- Headache
- Low body temperature
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of coordination
In some cases, a person who drank rubbing alcohol may go into a coma. Pay attention to their symptoms and make sure to get medical assistance as soon as possible.
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What to Do If You Drank Rubbing Alcohol?
Whether you consumed isopropyl alcohol yourself or you are worried about a friend or a family member who drank rubbing alcohol, there are a few things you can do to improve the situation.
First of all, do not panic—a clear head will help you figure out the next steps. If a person who drank rubbing alcohol is only exhibiting mild symptoms—such as an upset stomach and a minor headache—you may decide to let them stay at home and treat them there without calling an ambulance.
Nonetheless, it is recommended to get a professional medical provider to examine the person who ingested isopropyl alcohol. A doctor or a nurse will be able to properly diagnose the symptoms of rubbing alcohol poisoning and prescribe adequate treatment.
Preventing Rubbing Alcohol Misuse
Here are a few tips you can follow to make sure no one drinks rubbing alcohol by mistake:
- Keep isopropyl alcohol out of reach of children
- Always properly label bottles that contain rubbing alcohol
- Supervise teenagers in your household—sadly, some minors may decide to drink rubbing alcohol to get intoxicated
- Talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking alcohol – both ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are unsafe for children
Seek Help From Silicon Valley Recovery
If you believe a person in your household drank rubbing alcohol – whether it was accidental or they consumed it on purpose – reach out to mental health professionals from Silicon Valley Recovery to get the help you need.
Our team will be able to advise you—we have a lot of experience when it comes to alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment. Let our experts support you and your family during this challenging time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is rubbing alcohol made of?
Rubbing alcohol is primarily composed of isopropyl alcohol and water. It is meant for external use only.
Is rubbing alcohol safe to drink?
No, you should never drink rubbing alcohol—it is dangerous to ingest it.
How many people die from rubbing alcohol poisoning?
Fatalities from rubbing alcohol are rare—it is estimated that around 150 people die from isopropyl alcohol poisoning in the US every year.
What are the symptoms of rubbing alcohol poisoning?
The most common signs of rubbing alcohol poisoning are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.
How to prevent rubbing alcohol poisoning?
To make sure no one in your family drinks rubbing alcohol by mistake, you should keep it out of the reach of children and always label it properly.
Understand the Danger of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol
Accidentally or intentionally drinking rubbing alcohol can have serious consequences for a person’s health. From mild symptoms such as nausea to coma and death, isopropyl alcohol should never be consumed.
If you or your loved one drank rubbing alcohol by mistake, get in touch with Silicon Valley.
Recovery Silicon Valley Recovery to talk to our professionals. We will be able to advise you and guide you and come up with a personalized treatment plan to suit your needs.
