She Lost Her Sight After Drinking a Cocktail
Many travellers enjoy a drink while on holiday, but in some parts of the world, that drink may come with serious health risks. Methanol poisoning, a life-threatening condition, is becoming more common in countries where illegal or counterfeit alcohol is used to cut costs. One Canadian tourist learned this the hard way when a cocktail in Bali left her permanently blind.
What Is Methanol and Why Is It Dangerous?
Methanol is a clear, colourless liquid that’s often used in industrial products like:
- Paint thinners
- Cleaning solvents
- Fuel and windshield wiper fluid
It smells and tastes similar to ethanol (the alcohol in beer, wine, and spirits), which makes it difficult to detect. But unlike ethanol, methanol is highly toxic to humans. Just a small amount can cause:
- Blindness
- Brain damage
- Liver failure
- Death
A Real Case: From Vacation to Vision Loss
Ashley King, a Canadian backpacker, was visiting Bali before starting college. She ordered vodka cocktails at a busy bar. Within two days, she felt sick—headaches, nausea, and what she thought was a hangover.
It wasn’t. After flying to New Zealand, she woke up unable to see. Doctors were stunned to find high levels of methanol in her blood. Although she survived, she permanently lost her eyesight.
“Losing my vision was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. It changed my life completely,” Ashley said in a video shared to warn others.
Where Is This Happening?
Methanol-tainted alcohol is most common in countries with limited alcohol regulation or where imported spirits are expensive. These include:
- Indonesia
- India
- Cambodia
- Vietnam
- The Philippines
- Laos
- Fiji
In some cases, fake or homemade alcohol is sold to bars and resorts. These drinks are often mixed with methanol to increase volume and profit
Can Methanol Poisoning Be Treated?
Yes, but time is critical. If medical help is received within 10–30 hours, doctors may be able to reverse the effects. Ironically, ethanol (regular alcohol) is sometimes used as an antidote because it slows methanol’s toxic effects on the body. Other treatments include:
- Activated charcoal
- Dialysis (in severe cases)
- Supportive care for organ function
Once vision loss or organ damage begins, recovery becomes unlikely.
Conclusion
Methanol poisoning is a dangerous risk that often goes unnoticed. It doesn’t taste or smell different, and by the time symptoms appear, the damage may already be done.
Ashley King’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the many tragedies that could have been prevented. As a traveller, your safety starts with awareness. A cheap or free drink is never worth the risk of lifelong injury or worse.
Stay informed. Stay cautious. And when in doubt, don’t drink it.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
