What Is ETOH?

In its simplest form, ETOH is an abbreviation for ethyl alcohol, the main ingredient in hand sanitizer and antiseptics, some cleaning products, and alcoholic beverages. While it’s a prevalent term used when referring to ethyl alcohol in medical or academic publications, the acronym also has a darker side. When used as slang for alcohol or alcohol abuse, it can be a way to avoid talking openly about these critical issues. Yet, no matter how it’s described, alcohol abuse remains a serious problem. Let’s explore alcohol abuse, its harmful effects, and how you or someone you know who is struggling with this can get treatment.

Understanding ETOH (Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol)

ETOH stands for ethanol or ethyl alcohol, a pure form of alcohol distilled from grain. It is a carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂OH. It has a wide range of uses, including in cleaning supplies, industrial solvents, paints, hand sanitizers, and as an additive to gasoline. Recreationally, it is predominantly used and consumed in alcoholic beverages, though in this context, it is rarely referred to as ethanol but as alcohol instead. 

Types of Alcoholic Beverages Containing ETOH

While all alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, the amount varies considerably depending on the specific drink, and in most cases, the ethanol is diluted with other inert substances. Beer and wine, for example, have a much lower amount than spirits such as gin or vodka. The specific amount of alcohol is measured and displayed on alcoholic drinks as a percentage of the total volume — alcohol by volume (ABV). Here are some average ABV percentages of specific types of alcoholic beverages:

Grain alcohol: 91.1%.

Beer: 5.1%.

Wine: 13.3%.

Gin: 40.8%.

Scotch: 41%.

Effects of ETOH on the Body

The short-term effects of consuming ETOH arise quickly and can be significant depending on the individual and on how much alcohol is consumed. People often drink alcohol to induce a feeling of relaxation and happiness, which are short-acting effects thanks to the release of dopamine into the brain following consumption. Consuming too-high amounts of alcohol, however, results in impaired judgment, reduced reflexes and reaction time, and decreased coordination. It can also cause confusion, blackouts, memory loss, and vomiting.

While alcohol is thought to be minimally dangerous when consumed in moderation — small amounts, irregularly — the long-term effects can be very serious and afflict many aspects of an individual’s physiology. Sustained use of alcohol is a known contributor to many serious health conditions, including heart disease, various cancers, and liver disease. Overuse of alcohol can also lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. 

ETOH and Addiction: The Path to Alcohol Dependence

With regular consumption of ETOH comes a significant danger of developing alcohol dependence. Sustained use of ethanol over time can lead to a tolerance of ethanol’s physical and psychoactive effects, leading an individual to consume more to feel the same effects. The greater the amount regularly consumed, the higher the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a medical condition that describes when someone is unable to control their drinking or stop drinking, even when this leads to difficulties in their life, such as social, work, or physical consequences. 

If you suspect someone you know is struggling with ethanol abuse, there are both behavioral signs and physical symptoms you can look out for. Behavioral signs of ethanol abuse generally begin subtly and become more apparent over time as ethanol slowly becomes the individual’s primary focus. Here are some common signs:

• Frequent excessive consumption (binge drinking).
• Reduced interest in activities not involving alcohol.
• Issues in work or social life, often from poor decision-making. 
• Changes in social circles.
• Increased secrecy around alcohol consumption. 
• Defensiveness around drinking or drinking habits. 

Physical signs will vary depending on the extent of AUD and other factors such as individual health. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

Changes in physical appearance. 

Tolerance: drinking more to achieve the same effects. 

Health problems, including regular illnesses, weight gain or loss.

Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, or shakiness.

Reduced personal hygiene or a neglected appearance. There are several examples of how quitting drinking improves your appearance.

Dangers of ETOH Abuse

There are significant physical and psychological health risks associated with ETOH abuse, including potential long-term health effects of binge drinking. In the brain, it can cause damage to the frontal lobe, possibly reducing decision-making capability and impulse control. It can also cause neuropathy, causing numbness, tingling, and limb pain. As the liver is the main organ involved in the processing of alcohol, excess consumption often leads to complications in this part of the body, such as fatty liver disease. Digestive issues such as gastritis and pancreatitis can also occur, as can hormonal imbalances, affecting both the female menstrual cycles and male sexual function. Cardiovascular health can also be significantly affected, with complications including an increased risk of heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and irregular heartbeat. Finally, addiction often leads to a weakened immune system and is linked to multiple types of cancer. 

The mental health effects of abuse are also severe, including anxiety and depression. Socially, the effects can vary widely, but generally indirectly or directly negatively affect someone’s life through poor decision-making, strained relationships with friends or loved ones, reduced work performance, reduced finances or ability to earn, and social isolation. 

Treatment for ETOH Addiction

Ethanol addiction can be challenging to overcome, but help and resources are available. Medical supervision is an important consideration for anyone trying to detox from ethanol abuse because of potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Medical alcohol detox, like what we provide at Resurgence Behavioral Health, targets physical alcohol dependence and allows treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms while monitoring the individual in a comfortable and safe environment. Once this process is complete, patients can move on to the recovery phase of their alcohol addiction treatment. 

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we understand how challenging this recovery process can be, and we offer individually tailored detox and recovery plans for every client. We specialize in every stage of the recovery process, beginning with medically supervised detox in a safe and comfortable environment, with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provided to reduce severe withdrawal symptoms and help manage cravings after detox. We offer a comprehensive residential program, including 24-hour care, onsite therapy, and other treatments, to give you everything you need to recover safely and effectively. We also understand that residential care doesn’t necessarily suit everybody, so we’ve developed our comprehensive outpatient program for those seeking a more flexible treatment option.

Recovery from addiction can be a long journey, which is exactly why we’ve developed our client aftercare program. With many options to accommodate you and your unique requirements, aftercare provides ongoing support to create effective, long-lasting recovery.
Overcoming ethanol abuse can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Are you ready to take the reins of your own life and say no to ETOH? Contact us online or call Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050 today!

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial