Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
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Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
The term EtOH is the chemical abbreviation or acronym. Scientific and medical professionals use EtOH to describe the compound for ethanol. Ethanol is the form of alcohol used in alcoholic beverages.
EtOH is also used as:
EtOH can refer to alcoholic beverages, especially those distilled from grain substances. Grain alcohol does not only mean ethanol produced from grain. People may interchange the name with moonshine to describe alcohol that is 90% (or more) pure.
Nurses and other medical professionals also use EtOH when describing a patient. This can be used on a medical chart or a hospital bill.
For instance, “EtOH on Board” or “positive EtOH” can indicate an intoxicated patient.
Other medical terms that use EtOH include EtOH test, EtOH use, and EtOH withdrawal. Using EtOh in these terms refers to ethyl alcohol.
Different industrial products and alcoholic drinks like moonshine have high-proof ethanol. That type of EtOH is pure or closer to pure than that found in other substances.
However, drinking pure ethyl alcohol, especially fuel, poses dangerous health risks. The alcohol content can be twice the amount in typical liquors like rum.
People drinking pure EtOH won't need to consume much before blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels rise and alcohol effects occur. They can experience alcohol poisoning and other serious side effects if not careful.
Pure ethanol fuel may also contain other harmful chemicals. Ethanol-based cleaning products may have denaturants (ex: bitter flavoring) to make the alcohol unsuitable for drinking.
Alcohol misuse cost the United States $249 billion in 2010.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Ethanol has multiple harmful effects on the body. It affects the central nervous system (CNS), liver, and pancreas.
The effects of alcohol can become even more dangerous when people consume too much ethanol over an extended period.
The liver helps metabolize ethanol. The hepatic organ breaks down the substance into acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound, and converts it into an acetate byproduct.
In normal and healthy processes, there is no significant health problem.
However, chronic ethanol overexposure may contribute to a build-up of acetaldehyde, resulting in organ damage and liver cirrhosis (improper functioning due to massive scarring).
In more severe cases, such liver damage can lead to death.
Inflammation of the pancreas is also possible. Chronic ethanol exposure can affect pancreas functioning, which then changes insulin production and increases the risk of diabetes.
Similarly, chronic ethanol overexposure can affect the neurotransmitter networks of the brain. These networks comprise proteins, receptions, signaling pathways, and more.
For this reason, it is not uncommon to see behavioral impairment in those suffering from chronic alcoholism.
It's thought that even alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves in the CNS) results from chronic ethanol use. Ethanol, in general, is neurotoxic and can affect cognitive functions negatively.
It's estimated that 10% to 24% of all cases of dementia are alcohol-related.
Finally, acute (short-term) and chronic ethanol exposure inhibit an immune response (including antibodies and lymphocytes).
As a result, the body will have a more difficult time defending against harmful viral particles. This increases the risk of contracting severe diseases.
Chronic ethanol exposure can also lead to EtOH abuse.
EtOh abuse or alcohol addiction shares characteristics found in opioid addictions that include the risk of binge or heavy drinking, followed by withdrawal.
People may return to drinking alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
Because cravings are intense, it can be difficult for these people to maintain abstinence.
Similarly, those who suffer from EtOH abuse may partake in excessive drinking activities, such as:
People abusing EtOH have an increased risk of overdose or alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Aside from the effects of EtOH use on physical health, abuse can also affect a person’s decision-making skills. This causes them to make unsafe and risky decisions while under the influence.
Chronic EtOH exposure can influence a person to:
If you're wondering if you or someone you know has a drinking problem, you can use this list of symptoms for a quick self-diagnosis.
This is taken from the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders):
According to the DSM-V:
Remember, self-diagnosis is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is having trouble with alcohol abuse, the first step is to talk with a professional. Reach out to an addiction specialist to review your options.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an EtOH addiction, a range of options and resources are available to help with recovery. The following is a list of choices:
Inpatient treatment takes place at a licensed residential treatment center. These programs provide 24/7 comprehensive, structured care. You'll live in safe, substance-free housing and have access to professional medical monitoring.
The first step of an inpatient program is detoxification. Then behavioral therapy and other services are introduced.
These programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, sometimes longer. Most programs help set up your aftercare once you complete the inpatient portion of your treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are sometimes referred to as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Compared to inpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs provide similar services.
However, in a PHP program, you return home to sleep. Some services provide food and transportation, but services vary by program. PHPs accept new patients and people who have completed an inpatient program and still need intensive treatment.
Outpatient treatment is less intensive than inpatient or partial hospitalization programs. These programs organize your treatment session based on your schedule.
The goal of outpatient treatment is to provide therapy, education, and support in a flexible environment. They're best for people who have a high motivation to recover and cannot leave their responsibilities at home, work, or school.
Outpatient programs are often part of aftercare programs once you complete an inpatient or PHP program.
Sometimes, medications may be used in alcohol addiction treatment. Some medicines can help reduce the negative side effects of detoxification and withdrawal. Others can help you reduce cravings and normalize body functions.
The most common medications used to treat AUD are:
When combined with other evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), MAT can help prevent relapse and increase your chance of recovery.
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) are open to anyone with a substance abuse problem. They are peer-led organizations dedicated to helping each other remain sober.
EtOH is the chemical abbreviation for ethyl alcohol. Chronic EtOH use can result in different health and mental problems, including alcohol abuse. If you know someone suffering from alcohol abuse, different treatment options can help them recover.
An EtOH test checks the amount of ethanol in the blood and the degree of intoxication. It may help diagnose alcoholism in those with tolerance to ethanol. These people may require higher levels of ethanol to experience the substance’s effects.
Blood ethanol levels above 30 mg/dl (>0.03%) generally indicate that someone consumed an alcoholic beverage. An EtOH test can detect ethanol in blood at concentrations beginning at 10 mg/dL (0.01%).
EtOH (ethanol) is a very weak acidic substance.
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