It’s a scenario I’ve heard many times in my practice. A worried friend or family member calls, their voice tight with anxiety. “He’s just not acting right. He had some drinks, but this… this feels different.” That feeling of uncertainty, of not knowing if a situation is just a rough night or a true medical emergency, is incredibly stressful. Let’s talk about intoxication, what it really means, and how to know when you need to get help.
Simply put, intoxication is the temporary state that happens after you’ve consumed a substance, like alcohol or a drug, that changes how your brain works. It’s not just about feeling a little “off.” It can affect your consciousness, your thinking, your mood, and even your physical coordination. It’s a short-term thing, and how long it lasts depends on what you took, how much you took, your body size, and your overall health.
What Kinds of Substances Cause Intoxication?
Honestly, a wide range of substances can cause mind-altering effects. It’s not just about illegal drugs or alcohol. We see it with:
- Alcohol: The most common one we all think of.
- Prescription Medications: Especially sedatives like benzodiazepines, pain relievers like opioids, and stimulants like those used for ADHD.
- Cannabis (Marijuana): Whether smoked, vaped, or eaten.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products: High doses of things like dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, can be misused.
- Hallucinogens: Substances like LSD or psilocybin.
- Inhalants: Dangerous household products like paint thinners, glues, or even cleaning product fumes.
Taking more than one of these substances at the same time is particularly dangerous because the effects become much more unpredictable and severe.
Recognizing the Signs of Intoxication
Because these substances all work on the brain in slightly different ways, the symptoms can vary a lot. Some might make a person hyper and agitated, while others make them drowsy and slow. We can generally group the signs into two categories.
| Mental & Behavioral Signs | Physical Signs |
|---|---|
| Feeling unusually happy or euphoric | Trouble with balance and coordination (stumbling) |
| Poor judgment and risky behavior | Slurred speech |
| Aggression, agitation, or paranoia | Blurred vision or changes in pupil size (very large or tiny) |
| Swinging moods (happy one minute, angry the next) | Flushed face or changes in body temperature (too hot or too cold) |
| Feeling drowsy, sluggish, or having trouble focusing | Changes in heart rate or blood pressure (fast, slow, or irregular) |
| Memory problems or confusion | Nausea and vomiting |
When It Becomes a Medical Emergency
Mild to moderate intoxication usually resolves on its own with time. The real danger comes from two things: the risky behaviors it causes, and when it crosses the line into severe intoxication, which we call poisoning or overdose.
The impaired judgment from intoxication can lead to falls, car accidents, fights, and other serious injuries. It can also worsen underlying health problems like heart conditions or mental health disorders.
The euphoria—that high or happy feeling—is a key reason why substance use can lead to addiction. If you find yourself repeatedly seeking out intoxication, it’s a sign that it might be time to talk to someone.
Severe intoxication is life-threatening and always requires immediate medical help.
| When to Get Help Immediately: Signs of Poisoning or Overdose | |
|---|---|
| Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you see any of these signs: | |
| Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive | Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or gasping for air |
| Seizures or uncontrollable shaking | Blue lips or skin (cyanosis) |
| Severe confusion or altered mental status | Continuous vomiting |
| Thoughts or actions of harming oneself or others | Any serious injury, like from a fall or accident |
If you do end up in the hospital, please be honest with the medical team about what was taken. We aren’t there to judge; we’re there to help. Knowing what’s in your system helps us rule out other conditions and provide the right care quickly. We can use blood tests or urine tests to confirm, but your honesty is the fastest way to get the right treatment.
Take-Home Message
- What It Is: Intoxication is a temporary change in your mental and physical state caused by a substance affecting your brain.
- Watch for the Signs: Look for changes in behavior, mood swings, slurred speech, and poor coordination.
- Know the Difference: Mild intoxication fades with time. Severe intoxication (overdose/poisoning) is a medical emergency.
- Call 911 Immediately: If someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, having a seizure, or has blue lips, get emergency help right away.
- Help is Available: If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s substance use, please reach out. Talk to your doctor or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Navigating these situations, whether for yourself or a loved one, can be frightening. The most important thing is to prioritize safety and not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone in this.