How can you care for your child who has ingested alcohol, drugs, or poison?
- Follow your doctor's instructions about closely watching your child's health and behavior.
Prevention
- Keep all alcohol, drugs, and poisons out of sight. For example:
- Do not take your medicines in front of your child because they may try to do what you do.
- Never leave alcohol, medicines, or household products out when you are not in the room.
- Guests may have medicines with them. Make sure that guests keep their bags out of the reach of your child.
- Do not keep products like oven cleaner and dishwasher soap under the kitchen sink.
- Keep products in the containers they came in. Keep the original labels on them.
- Remove poisonous plants from your home.
Alcohol, drug, or poison ingestion: When to call
Poison control centers, hospitals, or your doctor can give immediate advice in the case of a poisoning. The United States National Poison Control Hotline phone number is 1-800-222-1222. Have the poison container with you so you can give complete information to the poison control center, such as what the poison or substance is, how much was taken and when. Do not try to make the person vomit.
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you or someone else:
- Is thinking seriously of suicide or has recently tried suicide.
- Has used or currently uses alcohol or drugs and is very confused or can't stay awake.
- Has passed out (lost consciousness).
- Has severe trouble breathing.
- Is having a seizure.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if you or someone else:
- Has new symptoms, or is not acting normally.
- If the overdose or ingestion was related to a suicide attempt.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
- You need help with drug or alcohol problems.
- You have problems with depression or other mental health issues.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated