Ethanol or ethyl alcohol (ETOH) is known to be an active ingredient in alcoholic drinks. The excessive consumption of alcohol is known as alcohol abuse or ETOH abuse. It is a condition wherein an individual continues to drink excessively even after knowing the negative effects on emotional, physical, mental, and social well-being.
In psychology, it is considered to be the milder type of alcohol use disorder (AUD). ETOH abuse is directed towards negative drinking patterns. In this blog, we will understand what ETOH abuse, its symptoms, diagnosis, health effects, treatment, and more is. So, let’s get started!
What is ETOH Abuse?
ETOH abuse is a milder form of alcohol use disorder (AUD). This type of AUD can make people challenging at coping with emotions which is why people struggling with ETOH abuse can be seen excessively involved in binge drinking despite being aware of the negative consequences of consuming alcohol regularly. After some time, these behaviors can result in negative health consequences such as liver damage, heart disorders, and brain damage.
People often get confused between alcohol dependence and ETOH abuse, in psychology, they are two different terms that require different treatment plans. If you or your loved one are struggling with an alcohol problem, connect with a physical or mental health provider for treatment options such as medications, therapy, and support groups.
Prior to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) 2013 edition, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were listed separately. However, in the new update, they are combined into a single mental health disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this edition, AUD is divided into three types, mild, moderate, and severe.
Since alcohol abuse is a life-threatening and disruptive condition, the two different terms were combined and then divided into subtypes for proper diagnosis and treatment. Below listed are some of the examples of ETOH Abuse:
- Consuming alcohol during pregnancy
- Day drinking or drinking even when it causes problems with health, relationships, or work
- Binge drinking
- Stress drinking or drinking to numb emotion or to cope with adversity
- Drunk driving
- Excessive drinking and getting involved in high-risk activities
- Teen drinking or drinking without a legal age limit
- Excessive drinking for longer hours than intended
How Ethanol Affects the Body?
Ethanol or ethyl alcohol (ETOH) is a strong antidepressant that directly affects the central nervous system (CNS) in our body. It can directly affect organs like the immune system, pancreas, liver, brain, and heart. Chronic ETOH abuse can also lead to health issues like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and severe blood infections.
Research shows that a moderate amount of alcohol consumption can help in muscle relaxation but it also affects judgment or coordination levels. Excessive alcoholism can lead to alcohol poisoning and overdosing. Below listed are some of the health consequences of ETOH abuse:
- Cancer
- Fibrosis
- Irregular heartbeat
- Drooping or stretching of the heart muscle
What are the Symptoms of ETOH Abuse?
Below listed are some of the common symptoms of ETOH abuse:
- Blacking out after drinking
- Lack of concentration
- Loss of control
- Inability to control body movements
- Inability to make decisions properly
- Increased tolerance
- Neglect of responsibilities
- Presence of memory gaps
- Slowed speech
- Slowed reflexes
- Struggles with hangover after drinking
In some cases, high levels of alcohol in the body can also cause alcohol poisoning, coma, or even death.
What are the Health Risks of ETOH Abuse?
Below listed are the short-term effects of ETOH abuse:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion and dizziness
- Dehydration
- Impaired judgment
- Increased risk of injuries
- Lack of awareness and concentration
- Poor memory
- Nausea
- Risky sexual behaviors
- Slurred speech
Below listed are the long-term effects of ETOH abuse:
- Brain damage
- Heart pressure
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of cancer
- Learning problems
- Liver damage
- Pancreas issue
- Weakened immune system
What are the Diagnosis and Treatment Options for ETOH Abuse?
Alcohol abuse or ETOH abuse is caused by excessive drinking and the limit can vary on gender. For males, excessive drinking can be considered as drinking more than 14 drinks per week. For females, excessive drinking can be considered as drinking more than 7 drinks per week.
AUD is divided into three types such as mild, moderate, and severe. In order to be diagnosed with AUD, it is important to experience more than two symptoms out of all symptoms of AUD. Below are the diagnostic criteria for AUD:
- Mild AUD: 2-3 Symptoms
- Moderate AUD: 4-5 Symptoms
- Severe AUD: 6 or more symptoms
If you think you or your loved one might be struggling with the symptoms of AUD or EOTH abuse, you can connect with a physical or mental health provider to seek proper diagnosis and treatment.
Coming forth to the treatment process of AUD or EOTH abuse, the treatment process usually depends on the severity of the disorder. Below listed are some of the common treatment options for alcohol abuse:
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be an effective therapy option for overcoming alcohol abuse. Apart from CBT, family therapy and motivational enhancement therapy can also be effective.
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- Medications: A physical health provider or mental health provider might also prescribe some medications to stop excessive drinking and to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Basically, naltrexone is prescribed to manage alcohol cravings.
- Support groups: A mental or physical health provider may also suggest you join peer support groups (online or offline) to help you stay connected and learn from other’s experiences.
I hope this blog helps you understand the overview of ETOH abuse. For more such content, connect with us through social media platforms.
Thanks for reading!
The post ETOH Abuse Guide: A Milder Form Of Alcohol Use Disorder appeared first on Calm Sage – Your Guide to Mental and Emotional Well-being.