Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the active ingredient in alcohol that causes you to experience mind-altering effects. It is also referred to as EtOH. EtOH abuse is the act of heavy drinking, binge drinking, or any form of harmful relationship with alcohol.
Unfortunately, abusing alcohol can lead to the development of an alcohol use disorder. The main signs of alcoholism include being unable to control how much you drink, experiencing cravings for alcohol, and dealing with withdrawal symptoms once you stop using it.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 30 million people experienced an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2023.[1]
If you suffer from EtOH addiction, you are at risk of developing a variety of long-term health problems. For example, alcoholism can lead to a higher risk of certain cancers, high blood pressure, heart complications, and brain or liver damage.
What you will learn:
- What is alcohol abuse?
- What are the signs of alcoholism?
- What are the long-term risks of alcohol abuse?
What is EtOH Abuse?
There are several types of alcohol, including ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl.
Isopropyl is the alcohol found in rubbing alcohol and used for cleaning or disinfecting. Methanol is used in industrial applications for things like formaldehyde or antifreeze. And lastly, ethanol or ethyl alcohol is the kind of alcohol that is found in beer, wine, or liquor.
EtOH is a term that refers to ethyl alcohol or ethanol. While it is okay to drink alcohol occasionally, consuming it too often or in large quantities can be dangerous. It is also possible to develop an addiction when you engage in alcohol misuse.
The risk factors for developing alcoholism include:[2]
- Genetic predisposition or a family history of alcoholism
- Environmental factors like being exposed to alcohol at an early age
- Having untreated mental health issues like depression or anxiety
- Traumatic childhood experiences
- And more
If you relate to any of the risk factors for alcohol use disorder, you should avoid engaging in EtOH abuse. Alcoholism causes you to become dependent on the substance, leading to potentially life-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol addiction, you should seek professional help from an alcohol treatment program.
What are the Signs of EtOH Addiction?
Knowing the signs of ethyl alcohol addiction can help you determine whether you need professional treatment. Alcohol addiction treatment programs offer a variety of services to help you recover, including individual therapy, support groups, medical detox, and relapse prevention planning.
The main signs of EtOH addiction include:[3]
- Consuming alcohol in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Wanting to cut down or quit alcohol use but being unsuccessful
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the use of alcohol
- Experiencing cravings or intense urges to abuse alcohol
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of alcohol use
- Continuing to use alcohol despite facing social or interpersonal relationship issues as a direct result
- Giving up or reducing important or beloved activities to have more time to abuse alcohol
- Experiencing physical or mental health issues because of recurring alcohol use
- Getting into risky situations when you use alcohol, such as drinking and driving
- Needing to increase the amount of alcohol you drink to experience the desired effect
- Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming alcohol
To be diagnosed with a mild alcohol use disorder, you only need to experience 2 of the symptoms. 4 to 5 symptoms indicate a moderate alcohol use disorder, while 6 or more symptoms indicate your alcoholism is severe. Whether your alcoholism is mild, moderate, or severe, you need to attend a professional alcohol rehab program to recover.
Dangers of Long-Term EtOH Abuse
Abusing ethyl alcohol can lead to a long list of risks and dangers. First, alcohol can increase the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. It can cause you to experience more severe symptoms as time goes on.
In addition to the psychological risks of EtOH abuse, there are physical dangers as well. These include:
Brain Damage
Drinking excessively over time can lead to physical changes in your brain’s structure. This type of brain damage can cause unpredictable mood swings, learning issues, impaired motor skills, and trouble making decisions.[4]
Heart Complications
Regularly engaging in heavy drinking can cause permanent damage to your heart and the cardiovascular system as a whole. You might experience a weakening of the heart, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attack.[5]
Increased Risk of Cancers
When you suffer from alcoholism, that means you are drinking a lot and often. Engaging in this behavior can increase your risk of developing a variety of cancers in areas of the body where alcohol comes in contact. For example, you could experience liver, throat, mouth, and pancreas cancer.
According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM), about 20,000 U.S. cancer deaths a year can be attributed to alcohol use.[6]
Liver Damage
Lastly, your liver is responsible for filtering out chemicals that you consume. When you regularly engage in heavy drinking, your liver has a hard time keeping up. This can lead to significant liver damage, including potential liver failure.[7]
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you or a loved one suffers from EtOH abuse or alcoholism, it’s time to seek professional help. At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a top-rated alcohol addiction treatment program near you.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find treatment for alcohol use disorder.
References:
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States
- Oxford Academic: RISK FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
- Medscape: Alcoholism Clinical Presentation
- Science Direct: Alcohol-related brain damage: an umbrella (term) for the approaching post-COVID monsoon
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Alcohol’s Effects on the Cardiovascular System
- The American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM): Reducing Alcohol Use to Prevent Cancer Deaths: Estimated Effects Among U.S. Adults
- Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Integrated Management With Alcohol Use Disorder