Rubbing alcohol is found in almost every home, but it’s extremely dangerous to ingest, even in small amounts. Many people who drink rubbing alcohol do so out of desperation, intoxication, withdrawal or a misunderstanding of how harmful it is. Drinking rubbing alcohol can be deadly, and even in small doses, it can cause serious health implications.
If you or someone you know has consumed rubbing alcohol and is currently confused, vomiting, having trouble breathing or losing consciousness, call 911 immediately. Drinking rubbing alcohol is always a medical emergency.
If you’re struggling with addiction and worried you may resort to unsafe substances, help is available. Understanding the risks can be the first step toward getting support.
What Exactly Is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol isn’t the same as the alcohol found in beer, wine or liquor. The alcohol in beverages is ethanol. Rubbing alcohol is water mixed with isopropyl alcohol (often a 70% concentration) or denatured ethanol. Denatured ethanol is chemically altered and poisonous when imbibed. Rubbing alcohol products may also include other chemicals, such as perfumes or color additives, that are also poisonous to drink.
These products are meant for disinfecting surfaces and not for consumption. Isopropyl alcohol absorbs quickly into the bloodstream and central nervous system, causing toxic, potentially fatal reactions.
What Happens If You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
Because rubbing alcohol contains such a high concentration of toxic alcohols, even a small amount can cause severe poisoning. Once swallowed, isopropyl alcohol is absorbed rapidly — much faster than drinking alcohol is — flooding the body with toxins.
Immediate effects can include:
- Burning in the mouth, throat or stomach
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting (often bloody)
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Slowed breathing
- Confusion
- Drop in blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
More serious and life-threatening symptoms can include:
- Internal bleeding
- Seizures
- Organ failure
- Coma
- Death
Why Do People Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
It may seem surprising, but this behavior is more common than many people realize. People may drink rubbing alcohol due to the following reasons.
They’re Experiencing Alcohol Withdrawal
In moments of desperation, some people drink whatever alcohol-like substance is available to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, nausea and anxiety.
They Have a Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
Chronic drinking can impair judgment, lower inhibitions and increase risk-taking behaviors. Individuals with severe alcohol addiction may drink non-beverage alcohols like:
- Mouthwash
- Hand sanitizer
- Cooking extracts
- Rubbing alcohol
They’re Seeking a Stronger “High”
Because isopropyl alcohol is potent, some mistakenly believe it’ll intensify intoxication. Instead, it causes poisoning.
They Don’t Understand the Danger
Younger people or those with limited education about chemical substances may not know the chemical difference between ethanol and other alcohols.
Why Drinking Rubbing Alcohol Is So Dangerous
Unlike beverage alcohol, rubbing alcohol is toxic even in tiny amounts because:
- It converts into toxic acids in the bloodstream. Around 80% of isopropyl alcohol is metabolized into acetone after being absorbed through the liver. Acetone is a chemical found in solvents and paint thinners. This can lead to severe dehydration, drops in blood pressure and toxic effects on the kidneys, liver and stomach.
- It’s extremely irritating to the stomach and intestines. Drinking rubbing alcohol can cause internal chemical burns, gastric bleeding, ulcers and life-threatening perforations.
- It depresses the central nervous system. Slowed breathing, slowed heart rate or coma can happen quickly after drinking rubbing alcohol, sometimes before emergency help arrives.
Is Drinking Rubbing Alcohol Ever Safe?
No. Even if you only take a small sip, drinking rubbing alcohol can cause poisoning. Trying to dilute it with water doesn’t make it safe. Cooking or boiling it doesn’t remove toxins. You should never ingest rubbing alcohol.
Signs of Rubbing Alcohol Poisoning
If someone drinks rubbing alcohol, they may:
- Seem extremely drunk after consuming only a small amount
- Be very confused or disoriented
- Be unable to stand or walk
- Vomit repeatedly
- Breathe slowly or irregularly
- Be cold or clammy to the touch
- Be difficult to wake up
These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Don’t wait to see if someone sleeps off the effects of drinking rubbing alcohol.
Long-Term Risks of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol
Even one incident can be enough to cause serious medical damage. Repeated ingestion or chronic misuse can lead to:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Stomach ulcers
- Brain damage
- Increased risk of future poisoning
- Worsening alcohol dependence
- Relationship strain
- Legal consequences
- Job loss or academic decline
Drinking rubbing alcohol is often a sign that someone’s drinking has reached a crisis level.
What to Do If Someone Drinks Rubbing Alcohol
- Call 911 Immediately
Describe what was consumed and how much, and follow the operator’s instructions. - Don’t Induce Vomiting
This can worsen internal bleeding. - Don’t Give Food or Drink
Water or milk won’t neutralize rubbing alcohol. However, they can worsen the risk of vomiting and choking. - Stay With the Person
Monitor breathing and consciousness until help arrives.
How Therapy or Treatment Helps If You Drank Rubbing Alcohol to Get Drunk
If you or someone you love drank rubbing alcohol because of alcohol dependence, compassionate help is available. Treatment provides:
- Medical detox to stabilize withdrawal
- Therapy to address cravings and triggers
- Support groups
- Long-term strategies to avoid relapse
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
Many people feel shame after drinking rubbing alcohol, but you’re not alone, and it’s not too late to get help.
When to Call the National Rehab Hotline
If you’re struggling with alcohol use and worry you might resort to unsafe substances, you don’t have to face the situation alone. The National Rehab Hotline offers 24-7 help, including:
- Confidential support
- Recommendations for treatment options
- Help understanding your choices
- Connecting with detox and rehab programs
- Guidance for a loved one who’s drinking dangerously
Recovery is possible, and reaching out could save a life. Call the National Rehab Hotline now for help connecting with support.
