What is ETOH? - Understanding Ethyl Alcohol (ETOH) Abuse

The terminology can get pretty technical when talking about intoxication and substance abuse. However, it is essential to understand the lingo behind terms like intoxication and substance use to see why we use the words we do.

One of the most commonly abused substances across the world is ETOH. What does that mean? 

What Exactly is ETOH?

Whether beer or moonshine, when you're drinking an "adult beverage," you're actually drinking ETOH. ETOH is the medical and scientific term for ethyl alcohol. 

What Does ETOH Stand for?

ETOH stands for ethyl alcohol. It’s not an acronym so much as it’s a description of its chemical formula, which is C2H5OH. Alcohols that have two carbon molecules get the prefix “ET.” 

Methyl vs. Isopropyl vs. Ethyl Alcohol

Alcohol comes in three forms. The first is the most simple, called primary alcohol. More commonly known as methyl alcohol or methanol, paint thinners and removers often include this alcohol.

Isopropyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol commonly used for sterilization in medical and first aid settings. You buy this at the drugstore, typically in a 70% solution.

ETOH is a tertiary alcohol. It's what makes you "drunk" from an alcoholic beverage. This alcohol originates from yeast consuming sugars in grains then producing ETOH and CO2.

ETOH is a very efficient antiseptic and sanitation solution used in most hospitals. It can also function as an antitoxin for methanol poisoning. If a patient arrives at the hospital intoxicated from ETOH, a nurse might write "ETOH on board" on their chart. 

As a fuel additive, ETOH increases efficiency and lowers the freezing point of gasoline. In this context, it's usually referred to as ethanol.

Why Not Just Say “Alcohol?”

Someone might use "ETOH" instead of "alcohol" because alcohol is technically a classification of substances. "ETOH" is primarily used in a scientific or medical setting. 

Though technically correct, saying "ETOH" can feel like medical jargon. When we talk about consuming ETOH from an alcoholic beverage, it's ok to call it simply "alcohol." 

Effects of ETOH

As we mentioned before, ETOH is the chemical that makes you intoxicated. Consuming alcohol doesn't only have short-term effects but long-term consequences.

Short Term

ETOH is a depressant that slows down your brain and body systems. Intoxication may look like this:

  • Slurred speech
  • Slowed reaction times
  • Poor judgment
  • Mood changes

Drinking too much in a short time, also known as binge drinking, can lead to more dangerous side effects. These include memory loss, blacking out, passing out, nausea, and vomiting. When alcohol mixes with other substances, the effects amplify.

Long Term

Misusing alcohol over a long period can have significant repercussions for your health. Cirrhosis of the liver is probably the most well-known effect, but pancreatitis, digestive issues, increased risk of cancer, and neurological problems are also common.

‍ETOH Abuse

Moderate or low use of ETOH might have less severe symptoms, but abusing ETOH is almost guaranteed to cause problems. People with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can't control how much they drink and consume more than they used to feel the same amounts of pleasurable intoxicating effects. 

Other ways to identify AUD include:

  • Mood swings
  • Risky behavior
  • Losing money due to buying alcohol
  • Drinking despite knowing it hurts yourself and your relationships
  • Frequent or constantly craving alcohol
  • Tremors or other withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
  • Binge drinking

Binge drinking is a significant indicator of ETOH abuse and AUD. It's defined as five or more drinks in one drinking session for men and four or more for women. According to the CDC, 90% of those who drink alcohol also excessively binge drink. The CDC also found that those who binge drink consume eight or more drinks at a time. 

Binge drinking is more likely to lead to more severe short-term risks, such as blacking out or losing consciousness.

Recovering from ETOH Abuse

AUD and ETOH misuse and abuse don't have to define your life. If you've noticed a problem with your behavior or someone close to you, there are options for help. 

Several types of therapy are proven to be effective in treating AUD. They help you understand why you might abuse alcohol and can even help treat comorbid disorders. 

Group therapy or mutual support groups are also effective ways to get past addiction. Receiving support from peers and supporting them in return usually gives individuals a higher success rate of recovery.

Call Sequoia Today

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we approach addiction recovery through varying programming to heal holistically. Our therapies utilize an eclectic approach to address the symptoms, and get to the root of the problem. 

Talk to us today if you've noticed ETOH abuse is taking control. We're here to help you take back your life and begin the journey to recovery.