Dangers of Drinking Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder affects 7.2% of the adult population in the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). That is about 17 million people ages 18 and older. People who struggle with this condition are unable to moderate how much they drink, crave alcohol, and may be physically dependent on alcohol. However, because alcohol is widely available for purchase, and legal for people ages 21 and older to consume in the U.S., it is easy to access.

Sometimes, people may be unable to get beer, wine, or liquor, causing them to resort to other substances. In some instances, a person’s body may develop such a high tolerance that they begin to seek out stronger forms of alcohol to consume, hoping to achieve their original level of intoxication. While drinking too much ethanol, the alcohol chemical at the base of alcoholic beverages, can cause serious harm to the brain and body, consuming other types of alcohol can be even more toxic. One of these dangerous forms of alcohol is isopropyl alcohol.

What is the Percentage of Alcohol in Rubbing Alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol is often called rubbing alcohol because it is a powerful solvent that can clean up chemicals like paint or grease. It comes in several purity levels, as high as 99% isopropyl alcohol. Household versions may be as low as 60% and up to 95%. Most rubbing alcohol is a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. While it is a useful chemical and found in many households and stores, it is imperative not to confuse isopropyl alcohol with consumable alcohol; industrial solvents like isopropyl alcohol are never intended for human consumption.

Rubbing Alcohol Consumption

Although it is possible to drink rubbing alcohol, it is extremely dangerous. Isopropyl alcohol is produced differently than ethyl alcohol or ethanol. While beer, wine, and liquor are fermented and distilled, isopropyl alcohol is created in a laboratory, specifically for sterilization purposes outside the body.

However, people who struggle with chronic alcohol use disorder may consume rubbing alcohol or other kinds of non-consumable alcohol to reach an expected level of intoxication. One report on the problem in Canada notes that one 500 milliliter bottle – the equivalent of almost 17 ounces or just over one pint – in one 24-hour period is the same as drinking 30 beers.

Drinking rubbing alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning. People have reportedly died after ingesting one pint of isopropyl alcohol. While this form of alcohol does lead to intoxication, it is extremely dangerous.

What Are the Effects of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol?

According to National Capital Poison Control (NCPC), people who consume rubbing alcohol may act drunk. Signs of consumption include:

• Slurred speech.
• Loss of physical coordination.
• Stumbling.
• Sedation.
• Vomiting.

This industrial alcohol is very irritating to the stomach and intestines, so side effects from consuming this dangerous chemical include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain in the gut.
• Bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

Bleeding, nausea, and other damage from consuming rubbing alcohol may cause dehydration, which can lead to seizures. It can also cause low blood pressure from internal bleeding and the effects of the alcohol as it is metabolized. A person who consumes rubbing alcohol may go into shock.

Isopropyl alcohol is metabolized very quickly, so the effects will impact the central nervous system all at once. Since alcohol is a depressant, involuntary actions in the body may slow down or stop. Heartbeat will slow, breathing will become depressed or irregular, and the gag reflex may not act. This can lead to oxygen deprivation or choking on vomit. Poor circulation from heartbeat changes can also cause damage to organ systems.

Since this chemical is extremely potent, it can cause internal burns. Mucous membranes in the mouth and nose, the back of the throat, the esophagus, and the upper respiratory area can all receive chemical burns on contact. For a person who has consumed rubbing alcohol, symptoms of these burns will include intense pain and cramping.

If a person ingests a lot of rubbing alcohol all at once, they may experience pulmonary swelling, or inflammation of and excess fluid in the lungs. This can make breathing difficult and cause oxygen deprivation.

If you or a loved one are struggling with rubbing alcohol abuse, please reach out to Recovery First Treatment Center for support. We offer a wide range of alcohol rehabilitation services near you that are focused on an individuals long-lasting sobriety. Our care team is available to pick up your call 24/7 or read more about our services by visiting our treatment overview page or ready more about inpatient rehab facilities in Florida.

Overdosing on Rubbing Alcohol

Toxicity from consuming rubbing alcohol, also called overdose or poisoning, is not only possible but very likely. Rubbing alcohol poisoning begins to set in within 30-60 minutes after ingestion. Immediately after a person consumes rubbing alcohol, they may feel intoxicated, and they could even black out. They are likely to suffer poisoning after that.

Not only does a lack of oxygen and blood circulation damage organ systems, but alcohol has blood thinning properties, so there are fewer red blood cells to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Hypothermia is a symptom of alcohol poisoning, even with ethanol-based beverages like whiskey, and it is more likely to occur in people who consume rubbing alcohol to get drunk. Heart attack becomes more likely, and because blood sugar levels also drop, seizures are likely to occur.

Treatment for Isopropyl Alcohol Poisoning

People who experience an overdose on rubbing alcohol may pass out very quickly, so they cannot relate symptoms as they get worse. It is extremely important to call 911 and get the person emergency medical help right away. While consuming a small amount of isopropyl alcohol accidentally may not result in poisoning or death, it is still important to receive prompt medical attention.

Although some people who struggle with chronic alcohol use disorder do consume rubbing alcohol, this product is not intended for consumption at all, and drinking it is extremely dangerous.

To overcome alcohol use disorder, professional medical help with detox and entering a rehabilitation program may be a good choice for many. We offer comprehensive care at our Florida alcohol addiction treatment center, Recovery First. Recovery First, as well as American Addiction Centers’ other locations across the U.S., could be a good fit for your alcohol abuse recovery. Give us a call at to talk to one of our knowledgeable and compassionate Admissions Navigators for more information about addiction treatment in Fort Lauderdale Florida or at one of our other facilities in the U.S.