Drinking isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is extremely dangerous and can quickly lead to severe poisoning, organ damage, or death—even in relatively small amounts. If someone has ingested it, they should be taken to an emergency room or Poison Control immediately; this is a medical emergency, not something to “sleep off.”

What actually happens in the body

Isopropyl alcohol is not the same as the ethanol in beer or liquor; it is far more toxic and is meant for disinfecting surfaces, not ingestion. When someone drinks it, the body absorbs it rapidly and it strongly depresses the central nervous system while also irritating the stomach and intestines.

Common early effects include:

  • Dizziness, confusion, or acting “drunk” but more intensely.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain or burning in the throat.
  • Low blood pressure, low body temperature, rapid heart rate, and slow breathing.

At higher doses, people may:

  • Lose coordination, slur speech, and become stuporous.
  • Fall into a coma or stop breathing, which can be fatal.

Reddit users and medical sources alike note that even a few ounces of high‑concentration rubbing alcohol can be lethal , especially without prompt medical care.

Why people talk about it on Reddit

On subreddits like r/explainlikeimfive or general “what‑if” threads, people often ask what happens if you drink isopropyl alcohol out of curiosity or to understand the difference between “drinking” alcohol and disinfectants. Some commenters emphasize that:

“It is not like all alcohol and will likely result in gastric disturbances, headaches, nausea, and disorientation… consuming just 8 ounces of 90% pure isopropyl alcohol can be fatal.”

Others warn that it’s not a “shortcut” to getting drunk; it’s much more likely to land you in the ER or worse.

What to do if someone drinks it

If you or someone else has swallowed isopropyl alcohol:

  • Call emergency services or Poison Control right away.
  • Do not try to “make them vomit” or give them more drinks; this can worsen aspiration or damage.
  • If possible, tell medical staff the amount and concentration (e.g., “70%,” “90%”) of the product ingested.

Treatment usually involves monitoring breathing and vital signs, sometimes activated charcoal or gastric pumping, IV fluids, and supportive care in a hospital.

Bottom line

  • Never drink isopropyl alcohol or “rubbing alcohol.” It is not a safer or cheaper alternative to drinking‑alcohol beverages.
  • Even small sips can make you very sick; larger amounts can kill.
  • If ingestion occurs, treat it as an emergency and seek medical help immediately.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.