Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol? What Happens if You Do?

Have you ever wondered can you drink rubbing alcohol? The idea might cross your mind, especially when you see its alcohol content labeled prominently. But consuming rubbing alcohol is far from safe. This clear liquid, often found in our medicine cabinets for disinfecting, is not meant for drinking. Its harsh chemicals are extremely dangerous to ingest and can lead to severe health consequences, even in small amounts. If you or someone you know is considering this due to a lack of alternatives or out of curiosity, you need to be aware of the serious risks involved.

What Is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a common household item that usually contains isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) as its main ingredient. It’s typically a solution made up of 70% isopropanol and 30% water. This clear, colorless liquid has a slightly fruity smell and a bitter taste. While it might be tempting for some to consume due to its alcohol content, doing so is extremely dangerous and can result in severe poisoning or even death.

Rubbing alcohol is widely used in various products and applications, including:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Hand Sanitizers
• Disinfectants
• Aftershaves
• Antifreeze
• Cosmetics
• Cleaners
• Solvents
• Lotions
• Ink

Isopropyl Alcohol vs Ethyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) and ethyl alcohol (ethanol) are both commonly used alcohols with distinct properties, applications, and safety considerations.

Chemical Composition and Toxicity:

• Isopropyl Alcohol (C₃H₇OH) is a secondary alcohol, widely used for disinfecting surfaces, cleaning wounds, and as a solvent in various industrial applications. It is toxic if ingested and can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, headaches, respiratory depression, and, in severe cases, coma.
• Ethyl Alcohol (C₂H₅OH) is a primary alcohol, the type found in alcoholic beverages. It is used not only in beverages but also as a disinfectant, solvent, and in products like hand sanitizers. Ethyl alcohol is generally safer for human consumption in controlled amounts, but it can also be toxic in high concentrations or when misused

Uses and Effectiveness as Disinfectants:

Both isopropyl and ethyl alcohols are effective disinfectants, capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipid membranes. Isopropyl alcohol is slightly more effective against some types of bacteria and viruses, making it a preferred choice in healthcare settings for disinfecting equipment and surfaces. Ethyl alcohol, due to its safety profile, is more commonly found in consumable products like hand sanitizers and alcoholic beverages.

Regulations and Safety:

• Isopropyl Alcohol is more strictly regulated, especially for products that come into direct contact with the skin or are used in medical settings, due to its toxicity.
• Ethyl Alcohol is more commonly used in consumables and skin-contact products, with specific regulations governing its use depending on the intended application.

While both alcohols serve as effective disinfectants, their differences in toxicity and regulatory requirements guide their specific uses.

Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol? Why Do People Drink It?

The fundamental question is, “Can you drink rubbing alcohol?” You shouldn’t and it’s certainly not recommended. Generally, rubbing alcohol is consumed because it’s much stronger than ethanol. Ethanol is the intoxicating agent that is produced by distillation and sugar fermentation. This is found the most in common alcoholic beverages. Second essential question is, “Why are individuals drinking rubbing alcohol?” Individuals are drinking rubbing alcohol to become intoxicated, or in other cases, harm themselves. People that are struggling with alcoholism might turn to stronger substances such as rubbing alcohol to reach a specific level of intoxication.

Sometimes, rubbing alcohol is substituted for ethanol due to its widespread availability and lower cost. For example, a 16-ounce bottle of rubbing alcohol costs $1.00 and can be purchased anytime at a 24-hour drug store. Rubbing alcohol is also more powerful than ethanol and is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the same characteristics that allow a person to rapidly become intoxicated are responsible for the dangers and risks associated with drinking rubbing alcohol.

Can You Get Drunk Off Rubbing Alcohol?

Yes, you can get drunk off rubbing alcohol, but doing so is extremely dangerous. Isopropyl alcohol, which is much more potent and toxic than the ethanol found in alcoholic beverages. While isopropyl alcohol can cause intoxication, the associated health risks are severe and can include life-threatening complications.

Unlike ethanol, which the body can metabolize more safely, isopropyl alcohol poses a high risk of poisoning even in small amounts. The intoxication effects can occur rapidly, but they come with serious dangers such as impaired consciousness, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, coma or death.

What Happens If You Drink Rubbing Alcohol?

Drinking rubbing alcohol is extremely dangerous and can cause severe harm to the body. Even a small amount can lead to significant damage, primarily affecting the digestive tract and central nervous system.

When ingested, rubbing alcohol is quickly absorbed and metabolized into acetone, a toxic substance found in products like nail polish remover. This rapid metabolism can overwhelm the body, leading to toxic effects. Blood levels of the alcohol peak within 30 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion.

Rubbing alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and ingestion can cause:

• Intoxication
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Stumbling
• Sedation

Acetone is considered a gastrointestinal irritant that can cause the following digestive problems:

• Bleeding in the intestines and stomach
• Bladder rupture
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

In severe cases, ingestion can result in:

• Cardiopulmonary collapse
• Altered mental status
• Hyperthermia (increased body temperature)
• Hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure)
• Impaired consciousness and coma
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

Massive ingestion can lead to critical conditions such as cardiovascular failure, shock, and even death. The body’s inability to properly metabolize isopropyl alcohol compared to ethanol makes it far more intoxicating and dangerous at lower doses.

Statistics on Isopropanol Ingestion and Alcohol Use Disorder in the United States

Isopropanol ingestion, often involving products like rubbing alcohol, is the most frequently reported toxic alcohol ingestion in the United States. In 2021, over 54,000 cases involving alcohols, including isopropanol, were reported to U.S. poison control centers. The majority of these exposures are unintentional, primarily occurring in children under six years of age, but the risk remains serious. Accidental ingestion can lead to severe health complications, especially when large quantities are ingested or when older children and adults are involved.

Can You Become Addicted to Rubbing Alcohol?

As of 2023, alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects approximately 28.9 million people aged 12 and older in the United States, which is about 10.2% of this age group. This includes 28.1 million adults (ages 18 and older), making up 10.9% of that demographic. These numbers indicate a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the growing prevalence of AUD across the country.

If someone is engaging in drinking rubbing alcohol, they are at risk of developing a serious addiction, given the highly toxic nature of isopropyl alcohol compared to ethanol. This type of addiction falls under the broader category of alcohol use disorders, which continue to affect millions of individuals in the U.S. annually​

When a person struggles with an alcohol use disorder, (AUD), they aren’t able to control how much they drink, they have alcohol cravings and might be physically dependent on it as well. Sometimes, individuals aren’t able to get access to wine, liquor, or beer, and this causes them to resort to other substances. In other instances, a person’s body might develop such a high tolerance that they start to seek out stronger forms of alcohol to consume.

As the above process occurs, the person is in essence attempting to attain their original level of intoxication. Even though drinking too much ethanol, which is the alcohol chemical at the base of alcoholic beverages, can cause devasting harm to the body and brain, consuming other types of alcohol is even more toxic.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is broadly recognized as the disease of compulsive drinking. While it can be treated, it cannot be fully cured. The illness is ongoing, meaning it will worsen if the individual continues to drink. Abstinence is essential to arrest the disease and begin the path to recovery.

The impact of alcoholism extends beyond the individual, often affecting their family as well. Because of this, families of alcoholics also need support during the recovery process.

The first step in overcoming the consumption of substances like rubbing alcohol is attending an alcohol detox center, where detoxification safely removes alcohol from the body under medical supervision. This process helps manage withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of complications. Following detox, the individual should immediately transition into a structured alcohol addiction treatment program in Pennsylvania, where coping strategies are developed, and the underlying causes of addiction are addressed through therapy.

Once alcohol addiction treatment is completed, ongoing support is critical. Programs like the 12 steps of addiction offer a continued framework for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. These steps, along with support groups and aftercare programs, provide the necessary tools and community support to sustain long-term recovery.

Little Creek Recovery Can Help Break the Cycle of Addiction

Here at Little Creek Recovery, we can assist you with your rubbing alcohol addiction. The answer to “Can you drink rubbing alcohol?” is a resounding no—this substance is toxic and can cause immediate harm. That’s why it’s crucial to detox at a professional center like ours, where we have experts ready to help you. We offer a range of treatment options, from inpatient to residential treatment, as well as outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs. Our comprehensive, clinical, and holistic therapies are sure to help. Contact us to get started.