What is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, primarily composed of isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol, is a solution usually made up of about 70% isopropanol and 30% water. This clear, colorless liquid is characterized by a slightly fruity scent and a bitter taste. It finds widespread use in a plethora of commercial products, including cosmetics, lotions, aftershaves, cleaning agents, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, antifreezes, solvents, inks, and various pharmaceuticals.
Dangers of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, which is not intended for consumption and can be deadly if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts. Commercially, rubbing alcohol solutions range from 68-99% isopropyl alcohol by volume. Besides its use in antiseptic products, it is a common ingredient in household cleaners, paint thinners, and personal care products. To deter ingestion, it is denatured with bitterants that make it taste extremely unpleasant.
Methyl alcohol, or methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is another type of alcohol used industrially in products like paint removers, windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze. Methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested, leading to symptoms such as respiratory difficulties, blurred vision or blindness, and potential damage to the nervous system and internal organs.
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the type of alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages. It is also used in medical settings and manufacturing, particularly when denatured to make it unsuitable for drinking. Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast and, in its diluted form, is safe for consumption in beverages like beer, wine, and spirits.
Alcohol Concentrations in Beverages
- Beer: 3-10%
- Wine: 8-14%
- Fortified Wine: 16-22%
- Liqueurs: 15-25%
- Hard Liquor: 40% and above
In contrast, commercial rubbing alcohol contains 70% isopropyl alcohol, equivalent to 140-proof if measured like ethanol. When ingested, isopropyl alcohol is metabolized differently than ethanol, producing toxic substances that can overwhelm the body’s systems.
Where is Isopropyl Found?
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or dimethyl carbinol, has a wide range of applications in everyday products and industrial uses. It is a key ingredient in:
- Antifreeze
- Solvents for various industrial processes
- Shellac finishes
- Essential oils for aromatherapy and skincare
- Quick-drying inks used in printing
- Preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
- After-shave lotions
- Hand lotions and other moisturizers
- Some types of cosmetics
- Alcohol swabs and antiseptic preparations
- Household cleaning supplies
- Paint thinners
- Perfumes
- Other antiseptic products
Isopropyl alcohol is sometimes misused through ingestion or inhalation (“huffing”); it can also be absorbed through the skin. There is a misconception that sponge-bathing children with isopropyl can reduce fever; however, this practice can lead to severe alcohol poisoning, especially in young children.
It’s critical to recognize that these products are not intended for ingestion or inhalation. An overdose can occur as soon as isopropyl alcohol enters the body, potentially leading to fatal alcohol poisoning. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, it is vital to call emergency services immediately.
Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
Absolutely not. Rubbing alcohol contains industrial solvents like isopropyl alcohol, which are never safe for human consumption. Ingesting rubbing alcohol can rapidly lead to alcohol poisoning. There have been instances where individuals have died from consuming just one pint of isopropyl alcohol.
Despite the dangers, some individuals with severe alcohol use disorders may consume rubbing alcohol or other non-consumable alcohols to achieve high levels of intoxication. A report from Canada highlighted the extreme intoxication risk, equating the consumption of one 500-milliliter bottle of isopropyl alcohol (about 17 ounces or just over one pint) in 24 hours to drinking 30 beers.
Why do People Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
People sometimes turn to rubbing alcohol to achieve intoxication because it is significantly more potent than ethanol, the type of alcohol found in beverages. This is especially true for individuals struggling with alcoholism who may seek a quicker or more intense high due to increased tolerance levels.
The affordability and accessibility of rubbing alcohol also contribute to its misuse. For example, a 16-ounce bottle of rubbing alcohol can be purchased for just over a dollar at any time from 24-hour retail locations. Its potency and rapid absorption into the bloodstream heighten the danger, significantly increasing the risk of severe health consequences including death. This makes it critical for individuals suffering from alcohol addiction to seek appropriate help and for their loved ones to be vigilant in providing support and intervention.
What Happens if You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?
Drinking rubbing alcohol, even in small amounts, can have devastating effects on the digestive system due to its conversion into acetone, a toxic compound found in nail polish remover. Rubbing alcohol is a potent central nervous system depressant, which can intensify the adverse effects typically associated with high levels of ethanol consumption.
Common side effects of ingesting isopropyl alcohol include:
- Sedation and drowsiness
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain and internal burning
- Slurred speech and difficulty breathing
- Pulmonary swelling, causing inflammation due to fluid in the lungs
- Impaired coordination and stumbling
- Reduced judgment capabilities
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hypothermia (decreased body temperature)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bladder rupture
- Diarrhea and coma
The gastrointestinal system, in particular, is at high risk, with potential bleeding in the intestines and stomach. Severe ingestion can also depress cardiovascular function, lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, shock, and even coma.
Overdosing on Rubbing Alcohol
Toxicity from rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol poisoning, can occur swiftly and is very likely. Symptoms usually begin within 30-60 minutes after ingestion, potentially leading to severe poisoning. Early signs of intoxication might quickly progress to dangerous health complications.
Rubbing alcohol’s effects on blood circulation and oxygenation can severely damage organ systems. It acts as a blood thinner, reducing red blood cells available to transport oxygen and nutrients, potentially leading to hypothermia, heart attacks, and seizures due to dropped blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include:
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Low body temperature
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Slowed breathing
- Coma
Will You Die if You Drink Isopropyl Alcohol?
Ingesting rubbing alcohol can be fatal. The lethal dose is relatively small, ranging from 160 to 250 milliliters (approximately 5.4 to 8 ounces), depending on the concentration of isopropanol. To illustrate, the average shot glass holds about 1.5 ounces, and a typical can of soda is around 12 ounces. Consuming about 8 ounces of rubbing alcohol — slightly more than five shot glasses — can be deadly.
This amount is especially concerning for individuals with an alcohol dependency, as it is considerably less than what they might usually consume. Although reports of rubbing alcohol poisoning are common among children and adolescents, they also occur in adults using rubbing alcohol to achieve intoxication or self-harm. It is crucial to secure rubbing alcohol away from young people and to monitor for signs of misuse in the home.
What Will Treatment Entail?
Treatment for isopropyl alcohol poisoning varies based on the amount ingested and the severity of the case.
If you or someone you know has ingested isopropyl alcohol, these are some common medical interventions that might be utilized:
- Blood and urine tests to assess the extent of poisoning.
- Breathing support, which may include intubation or mechanical ventilation if breathing difficulties arise.
- A chest X-ray to check for any respiratory complications.
- An electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor heart function.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to aid in hydration and help flush toxins from the body.
- Insertion of a tube through the nose into the stomach (gastric lavage) to empty the stomach contents if the patient arrives at the hospital soon after ingestion.
- In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to support kidney function and expedite the removal of toxins from the blood.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Battling alcohol addiction requires timely and professional intervention. Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous without proper medical oversight, making it crucial to seek professional help. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, beginning the recovery journey is imperative. Hope Harbor Wellness offers comprehensive outpatient alcohol addiction treatment in Atlanta, GA, providing immediate support.
At Hope Harbor Wellness, we engage with both you and your family to evaluate your situation thoroughly and craft a personalized recovery plan. Renowned as one of Atlanta’s premier facilities for treating Alcohol Use Disorder, we are prepared to assist you right away.
Alcohol addiction doesn’t have to define your life. By recognizing the signs early and seeking help from Hope Harbor Wellness, you significantly improve your chances of a successful recovery. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you through your journey to overcome alcohol dependence and reclaim a healthy, rewarding lifestyle. Reach out to us today at 770-573-9546 or fill out our online contact form to discover more about our specialized alcohol rehab in Atlanta, GA, designed just for you.
