Is It Safe to Drink Rubbing Alcohol? The Dangers and Consequences

Many people wonder if it's possible to convert rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) into a drinkable form of alcohol. However, this is not feasible due to the fundamental differences between isopropyl alcohol and ethanol, the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Consuming isopropyl alcohol is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health issues, including death. This article will explore why attempting to drink rubbing alcohol is not only unsafe but also illegal, and the potential consequences this can have.

Why Isopropyl Alcohol Cannot Be Converted to Ethanol

Isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are both alcohols, but they are chemically different and have distinct properties. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is primarily used for disinfection and other non-consumable purposes. On the other hand, ethanol is what gives alcoholic beverages their intoxicating effects. The structural difference between these two alcohols makes it impossible to convert one into the other through any natural means.

The Dangers of Consuming Rubbing Alcohol

Consuming rubbing alcohol is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Attempting to do so can result in severe health complications, including coma, brain damage, and even death. Here are some of the immediate and long-term effects:

Immediate Effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest tightness, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Long-term Effects: Brain damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, and serious cardiovascular issues.

These effects can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention. Even if the individual survives, the damage caused by rubbing alcohol can be permanent and life-altering.

A Real-Life Incident

While consuming rubbing alcohol is extremely dangerous, there have been rare instances of people attempting it. One such incident involved a man who drank rubbing alcohol. He did not go blind, but he ended up in the hospital and likely suffered significant damage to his organs. The consequences of this action were severe, and it is not a behavior that can be underestimated.

Common Side Effects of Drinking Rubbing Alcohol

Drinking rubbing alcohol can lead to a range of side effects, some of which are listed below:

Abdominal Pain Chest Tightness Cold, Clammy Skin Confusion Diarrhea Dizziness Eye and Mucous Membrane Irritation Headache Lack of Coordination Miosis or Narrowed Pupils Near-Unconsciousness Reddened Skin Accompanied By Pain Sleepiness Throat Pain Too Much or Too Little Urine Vomiting Wheezing

These side effects alone are severe enough, but the more serious consequences of consuming isopropyl alcohol include:

Ataxia or loss of control over bodily movements. Brain damage, coma, and in extreme cases, death. Cornea burns and other damages to mucous membranes and skin. Decreased central nervous system, kidney, liver, and cardiovascular functioning. Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to ulcers or an increased risk of stomach cancer. Gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to vomiting blood. Hypothermia. Lactic acidosis, a condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood faster than it can be removed, causing weakness and nausea. Low blood pressure and low blood sugar. Acute pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Slowed breathing and tachycardia, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or death.

These severe effects highlight the danger of consuming isopropyl alcohol and make it clear that attempting to do so is not a viable or safe option.

Conclusion

Drinking rubbing alcohol is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. The health consequences can be severe and long-lasting, and in some cases, life-threatening. If you are considering consuming rubbing alcohol, it is highly advised to seek professional help and avoid this dangerous practice.