Alcohol Addiction Treatment

The Dangers of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol: What You Need to Know

Alcohol misuse is a widespread issue in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families each year. While most people associate alcohol consumption with beverages like beer or wine, some turn to dangerous alternatives such as rubbing alcohol—a highly toxic and concentrated form of isopropyl alcohol. Consuming rubbing alcohol, either accidentally or intentionally, poses significant health risks.

This alarming trend is just one part of a much larger issue: the growing alcohol problem in the U.S. Keep reading as we break down why drinking rubbing alcohol is so dangerous, the warning signs of poisoning and what to do if you or someone you know has consumed it.

What Is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol, primarily made from isopropyl alcohol, is a highly concentrated substance containing 68-99% alcohol mixed with water. Because of its potency, rubbing alcohol is often used as an antiseptic and is found in products such as disinfectant cleaning agents, nail polish removers, paint thinners, solvents, antifreeze and hand sanitizers.

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and typically ranges from 3-40% alcohol mixed in water. The stark contrast in concentrations suggests drinking even a small amount of straight rubbing alcohol can lead to rubbing alcohol poisoning and other severe health concerns.

Why Do People Drink Rubbing Alcohol

While rubbing alcohol is highly toxic and not meant for consumption, some individuals turn to it when access to traditional alcoholic beverages is limited or unavailable. This often happens due to desperation, misinformation or struggles with alcohol addiction.

For those dealing with alcohol dependence, rubbing alcohol can seem like an easy alternative because it’s inexpensive — just a few dollars per bottle — and easy to buy without an ID. Unfortunately, this accessibility can lead to dangerous choices with life-threatening consequences.

Sometimes, people may drink rubbing alcohol by accident, confusing it with other products like spirits, mouthwash or flavored extracts. Many are unaware of just how harmful and potent it is, which can lead to severe health problems even in small amounts.

The Effects of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

Drinking rubbing alcohol has immediate consequences and can have long-term effects. It is not safe for human consumption, and if you find a loved one ingesting the substance, call poison control immediately.

Immediate Dangers of Ingesting Rubbing Alcohol

Drinking rubbing alcohol is far more toxic than consuming alcoholic beverages and can result in severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. Because it contains isopropyl alcohol at concentrations as high as 99%, even a small amount can cause immediate harm. Some of the most pressing dangers include:

Alcohol Poisoning: Rubbing alcohol is absorbed quickly by the body, leading to rapid intoxication. Its high potency overwhelms the liver, causing toxic buildup and severe poisoning.
Gastrointestinal Irritation and Damage: The corrosive nature of isopropyl alcohol can burn the throat, stomach, and intestines, resulting in intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting (which may contain blood) and diarrhea.
Heart Attack and Low Blood Pressure: Isopropyl alcohol poisoning can affect circulation and heart function, potentially causing dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) and an increased risk of heart attack as the body struggles to handle the toxic effects.
Central Nervous System Depression: Drinking rubbing alcohol can slow down the nervous system, leading to dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, lack of coordination, seizures or even coma.
Severe Dehydration: Isopropyl alcohol metabolizes into acetone in the body, which accelerates dehydration and can disrupt the balance of electrolytes.

Ingesting rubbing alcohol is a medical emergency that should never be taken lightly. If consumed, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as the effects can escalate quickly and lead to organ failure or death.

Severe Long-Term Health Consequences

Beyond the immediate dangers, ingesting rubbing alcohol can lead to long-term and severe side effects, many of which can cause permanent damage or be life-threatening. These include:

Organ Damage: The liver, kidneys, and stomach can sustain irreversible harm as they struggle to process the high concentration of isopropyl alcohol. This damage can lead to liver or kidney failure over time.
Brain Damage: Due to its potent toxic effects, rubbing alcohol can impair brain function by causing oxygen deprivation or damaging brain cells, which can result in memory loss, cognitive difficulties, or permanent neurological deficits.
Respiratory Issues: Severe cases of isopropyl alcohol poisoning can cause respiratory failure, as the central nervous system becomes too suppressed to maintain regular breathing.
Blindness: In some cases, the toxicity of isopropyl alcohol — much like methanol — can affect optical nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent blindness.
Coma or Death: Consuming rubbing alcohol in larger quantities can lead to loss of consciousness, multiple organ failure, or death due to its overwhelming toxicity.

Treatment for Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning

When someone drinks rubbing alcohol, it’s often a sign of a serious underlying issue, such as a severe alcohol addiction or emotional distress. This behavior may stem from desperation, an attempt to self-medicate, or a desire to cause self-harm. While the situation can be incredibly alarming, it’s important to act quickly and compassionately.

Start by getting immediate medical help. Call a poison control center and take your loved one to the hospital for treatment. Once their physical health is stable, the focus should shift to long-term recovery.

Addiction treatment options are available to help people struggling and often include:

Detox Support: Safely clearing harmful substances from the body under medical care.
Counseling and Therapy: Working with professionals to explore the emotional and mental health issues underlying the behavior.
Group Support: Joining group therapy or support groups to connect with others who are on the path to recovery.
Recovery Programs: Structured programs like 12-step groups that provide guidance and accountability during recovery.

Recovery takes time, but with the right help, it’s possible to overcome addiction and build a better future. Show your loved one kindness and encourage them to take the first step toward getting the help they need. Your support can make a big difference in their journey.

How Caron Can Help

Drinking rubbing alcohol or other harmful substances can be a sign of a deeper struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is a medical condition where someone has difficulty controlling their alcohol use, even when it’s causing harm to their health, relationships or daily life. Whether it’s traditional alcohol or dangerous substitutes like rubbing alcohol, AUD requires professional care and support.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use, reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. Caron has been helping individuals and families through substance abuse successfully for the past 70 years. Contact us today to start your healing path toward recovery.