Can I Get Drunk on Hand Sanitizer: The Dangers and Facts

While the internet is rife with bizarre and seemingly dangerous ideas, the notion of getting drunk from hand sanitizer stands out. This article explores the potential and realities of consuming hand sanitizer for the purpose of achieving a sense of intoxication, while emphasizing the severe dangers involved.

The Potential for Intoxication

Can hand sanitizer potentially cause intoxication? Yes, but it is highly dangerous and not recommended. Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol, specifically ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, which, when consumed in large quantities, can lead to intoxication. This is true for the 90% alcohol solution found in many hand sanitizers. However, it is crucial to understand that consuming hand sanitizer is not only illegal but also extremely harmful to your health.

Why You Should Not Drink Hand Sanitizer

Healthcare and food service professionals can attest to the ubiquity of hand sanitizers. They are vital in preventing the spread of germs and infections. As someone who frequently uses hand sanitizer, it goes without saying that drinking it is not a good idea. Hand sanitizers are designed to be used externally, not ingested. They contain ingredients that are toxic when ingested and can cause severe health issues.

Understanding the Chemical Composition

Hand sanitizers primarily consist of alcohol-based compounds. Ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol) is commonly used in alcoholic beverages to achieve the desired intoxication. However, the alcohol in hand sanitizer is isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or isopropyl rubbing alcohol. These types of alcohol are not safe for internal consumption and can be lethal in large quantities. Isopropyl alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as sedation, slurred speech, and decreased coordination. Excessive consumption can lead to more severe issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and, in extreme cases, coma and death.

Common Myths and Facts

There are a few common misconceptions about the effects of drinking hand sanitizer:

Fact: Hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning, leading to low blood sugar, comas, and seizures. These are rare but serious outcomes. Fact: Hand sanitizer is not the same as alcoholic beverages. The types of alcohol used in hand sanitizer are highly toxic when ingested. Myth: Someone theoretically could get drunk from hand sanitizer. Ethyl alcohol can cause intoxication, but isopropyl alcohol cannot.

It's important to note that while you may experience dizziness or other mild symptoms from ingesting hand sanitizer, it is not a reliable method of achieving intoxication and is extremely dangerous. The United States Poison Control Centers report thousands of calls annually due to the ingestion of hand sanitizer, often by children who may accidentally ingest it.

Clinical Consequences

A study by Dr. Anthony Suffredini highlighted a case involving a 17-year-old hospital patient who consumed hand sanitizer, leading to acute illness. This case underscores the severe health risks associated with consuming hand sanitizer.

Consuming hand sanitizer can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. These include:

Sedation Slurred speech Decreased coordination Decreased central nervous system activity Vomiting Diarrhea Bleeding in the stomach and small intestines Coma and potentially death

These symptoms highlight the extreme risks associated with consuming hand sanitizer. If someone chooses to ignore these warnings and ingests a significant amount of hand sanitizer, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. The emergency room should be the last resort, but it is necessary to address the potential for severe health consequences.

Conclusion

The idea of using hand sanitizer as a substitute for alcoholic beverages is not only misguided but extremely dangerous. Hand sanitizers are designed for external use and contain ingredients that are toxic when ingested. The health risks associated with their consumption make it clear that such behavior is both illegal and harmful. In all scenarios, it is imperative to prioritize health and safety over potentially harmful and unproven ideas.