“Getting drunk” or intoxicated is the result of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Binge drinking typically results in acute intoxication.

Alcohol intoxication can be harmful for a variety of reasons, including:

Impaired brain function resulting in poor judgment, reduced reaction time, loss of balance and motor skills, or slurred speech.

Dilation of blood vessels, causing a feeling of warmth but resulting in rapid loss of body heat.

Increased risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis), particularly when excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed over extended periods of time.

Damage to a developing fetus if consumed by pregnant women.

Increased risk of motor-vehicle traffic crashes, violence, and other injuries.

Coma and death can occur if alcohol is consumed rapidly and in large amounts.