ETOH (the medical abbreviation for ethyl alcohol) is also known as ethanol.

Non-clinical terms for EtOH include:

• Alcohol
• Ethyl alcohol
• Grain alcohol

Alcohol is legal and socially condoned if consumed in moderation. That said, ETOH is also the most commonly abused addictive substance in the United States. ETOH is a CNS (central nervous system) depressant that causes nausea, sleepiness, confusion, and disorientation when abused or during binge drinking episodes, although alcohol has stimulant effects as well. ETOH overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition.

What is ETOH?

ETOH meaning derives from the abbreviated term ethyl alcohol. ETOH is the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and distilled spirits. 

When the term ethyl or ethyl alcohol is used in an academic or clinical setting, the abbreviated form ETOH is commonly used for convenience.  

Ethanol is also known as: 

• Alcohol
• Drinking alcohol
• Grain alcohol
• Ethyl alcohol

The most popular alcoholic beverages for human consumption that contain ETOH are: 

• Malt liquor
• Beer
• Wine
• Distilled spirits
• Grain alcohol

These different forms of ETOH vary considerably in terms of potency. Beer is the weakest alcoholic beverage, and grain alcohol is the strongest. 

What is classified as ETOH abuse, then? 

ETOH Abuse

There are many forms of ETOH abuse and terms like social drinker get thrown around a lot, let’s take a closer look at the common forms of alcohol abuse: 

• Binge drinking: If a man consumes at least five alcoholic beverages within two hours, or a woman consumes at least four drinks alcoholic beverages in the same period, this is classified as binge drinking.
• Heavy drinking: If a man consumes fourteen standard drinks each week, or a woman consumes eight standard drinks each week, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) classifies this as heavy drinking.
• Alcoholism (alcohol use disorder): Addiction to alcohol is known informally as alcoholism and clinically as AUD (alcohol use disorder). AUD is a chronic, relapsing brain condition, this type of problem drinking can be characterized by the compulsive consumption of alcohol in the face of negative outcomes.

Abusing ETOH in any form can trigger many adverse health outcomes. These complications can be physical or mental, and they can be short-term or long-term. 

Untreated, this type of chemical dependency can become life-threatening. 

These are among the most severe consequences of ETOH abuse: 

• Liver damage.
• Cardiovascular issues.
• High blood pressure.
• Pancreatitis.
• Bleeding from the esophagus.
• Increased risk of certain cancers.

Additionally, ETOH abuse can also heighten the risk of: 

• Assaults.
• Motor vehicle collisions.
• Slips and falls.
• Accidents when operating machinery.
• Violent and aggressive outbursts.
• ETOH overdose (alcohol overdose).The most aggravating result of ETOH abuse is the development of alcohol use disorder. 

AUD is diagnosed according to the number of criteria that present as outlined in DSM-5-TR (the most current edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). 

The criteria of alcohol use disorder are: 

1. Often drinking for longer than intended or drinking more than planned.
2. Failed attempts to moderate or discontinue use.
3. Cravings for alcohol.
4. Withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol.
5. Tolerance to alcohol.
6. Less time spent on hobbies and interests.
7. Personal and professional problems related to ETOH abuse.
8. Neglecting commitments at home, work, or school.
9. Devoting a lot of time to drinking or recovering from the after effects of ETOH abuse.
10. Consuming alcohol in dangerous situations.
11. Ongoing ETOH abuse even though alcohol is causing or worsening a physical or mental health condition.

ETOH Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal, sometimes abbreviated to AWS (alcohol withdrawal syndrome), involves the presentation of uncomfortable symptoms when someone suddenly stops drinking after a period of ETOH abuse. 

AWS can involve a combination of emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms, from fatigue and mild anxiety to nausea. Some of the more severe symptoms of AWS include seizures and hallucinations. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if untreated.

Abusive patterns of alcohol consumption irritate and excite the CNS (central nervous system). If you become physically dependent on alcohol, your system will struggle to adapt to its absence. The manifestation of withdrawal symptoms is the body’s response. 

The first signs of alcohol withdrawal may present six hours after the last alcoholic beverage. These include: 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• High blood pressure

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically become more intense over the following three days, subsiding after a week or so. 

The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called DTs (delirium tremens). The signs of DTs are: 

• Fever
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Raised heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Rapid breathing

Delirium tremens should be considered a medical emergency and can be deadly if untreated.

For help with all forms of ETOH abuse, we offer effective treatment for addiction recovery here at California Detox in Orange County. 

Alcohol Detox and Addiction Treatment at California Detox

Withdrawing from alcohol can be challenging and even dangerous if attempted on your own. Unsupervised detox is inadvisable and potentially dangerous, so streamline the process by engaging with supervised medical detox at California Detox.

When you begin your recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism at our luxury rehab in Laguna Beach, California, you can access FDA-approved medications and 24/7 clinical and emotional care to reduce the intensity of withdrawal. while detox addresses physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, ongoing treatment is required to deal with the psychological side of addiction.

Inpatient treatment programs at California Detox deliver individualized plans that include:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapies (CBT or DBT)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• One-to-one counseling
• Holistic interventions
• Aftercare and support

Call California Detox at 888-995-4208 for help from detox to discharge and beyond.