ETOH Abuse and Addiction

What is ETOH?

ETOH is a shorthand abbreviation for ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. This is the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages that leads to intoxication. 

People usually consume ethyl alcohol in a diluted concentration. The level of the concentration is measured and is known as the alcohol proof. This is done mainly to improve taste and to lessen the severity of alcohol’s effects. 

Ethanol reacts with the body to alter mood and behavior. Brewers and distillers usually make it from organic matter with high sugar or carbohydrate content.

The human liver can usually filter ethanol from the body. However, it becomes even more toxic when consumed faster than the liver can break it down.

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Types of Ethyl Alcohol

There are three main types of alcohol: isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). All three are toxic, but ethanol is the only one humans can consume. Ethyl alcohol usually refers to alcohol made from grains (grain alcohol) or other edible organic matter.

All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol. They are divided into two categories: distilled and undistilled. 

Undistilled drinks are all fermented. Bacteria or yeast convert sugars into ethanol. Examples of undistilled alcoholic beverages include wine and beer.

Winemakers ferment grapes. Beer makers ferment wheat, rice, barley, and other grains.

Distilled drinks are made from fermented beverages that get treated to achieve a higher alcohol concentration. This is done by separating the alcohol from the water in a fermented liquid.

Examples of distilled alcoholic beverages include rum, vodka, and whiskey. They contain more alcohol than undistilled drinks and higher alcohol-proof. "Liquor" and "spirits" are common names for distilled drinks.

Measuring Alcohol Content

The two measures of alcohol content are alcohol by volume (ABV) and alcohol proof. ABV is sometimes called percent alcohol. They both measure the alcohol concentration in a drink. They are listed on the producer’s label. 

Alcohol by volume is the number of milliliters of ethanol per 100 milliliters. Alcohol proof is simply twice the alcohol by volume number. For example 40% ABV is measured as 80 proof. 

Most beers are around 4.5% ABV. Most wines are about 11.6% ABV. Most spirits are around 37% ABV.

How Does Ethanol Affect the Body?

Ethyl alcohol causes intoxication. Effects of intoxication include:

• Behavior changes
• Slurred speech
• Diarrhea 
• Impaired decision making
• Impaired motor function

Binge drinking heightens these effects. Binge drinking is any drinking session that causes a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.

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What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is typically done by people who drink with the purpose of ETOH intoxication.

Typically, women need to consume four alcoholic drinks or more over a 2-hour period. Men need to consume at least five beverages over a similar span.

After binge drinking, an individual is at a higher risk of:

• Physical injuries
• Wrecking a car
• Engaging in unprotected sex

Alcohol can reduce the functioning of the area of the brain responsible for calculating risk and reward. This part of the brain is like the body’s parent. It prevents people from doing dangerous things.

When this area of the brain is impaired, people make poor decisions without determining the risks properly. Their inhibitions drop.

Binge drinking is almost always considered dangerous. It can lead to so many difficulties in a short period. As a result, binge drinking is known to be a symptom of an alcohol use disorder.

Someone who binge drinks may begin an abusive drinking pattern without realizing how dangerous it is. Understanding the damage alcohol can cause can, in some cases, help people get their drinking under control.

Too much ethanol can also create a physical dependency (substance use disorder) that can be difficult to quit. 

Symptoms of ETOH Abuse and Addiction

ETOH abuse can lead to alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD).

These questions are used by doctors and are taken from the DSM-V.

However, self-assessments are not an adequate substitute for professional assessment.

1. In the last year have you continued to drink more than you meant to? (Larger amounts of alcohol or over a longer period of time?)
2. In the last year have you found it difficult to limit your excessive drinking?
3. In the last year have you spent a lot of time obtaining, drinking, or recovering from alcohol?
4. In the last year have you felt cravings or strong urges to drink?
5. In the last year have you found yourself letting obligations and responsibilities like work, school, and relationships with friends and family fall to the wayside?
6. In the last year have you continued to consume alcohol despite alcohol-induced social or interpersonal issues caused by alcohol?
7. In the last year have you stopped or slowed down attending important social, work, or recreational activities due to alcohol use?
8. In the last year have you continued to use alcohol in situations that can cause you physical harm?
9. In the last year have you continued to use alcohol despite knowing it is harming you physically, psychologically, or socially?
10. In the last year have you developed a high tolerance for alcohol that requires you to drink more and more to achieve the same effect?
11. In the last year have you experienced any alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, irritability, or tremors (delirium tremens)?

According to the DSM-5, alcohol use disorders are classified as mild, moderate, and severe.

If you answered "yes" to

• 2 to 3 questions, you may have a mild alcohol use disorder
• 4 to 5 questions, you may have a moderate alcohol use disorder
• 6 or more questions, you may have a severe alcohol use disorder

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Dangers of ETOH Abuse

ETOH substance abuse in the form of heavy drinking can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). This can lead to many adverse health effects.

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