EtOH stands for ethyl alcohol, or ethanol. This clear substance is found in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and liquor. The term EtOH is commonly used in academic research and in medical circles when referring to alcohol.
Popular Types of Ethyl Alcohol
Alcohol is the most popular psychoactive drug in the United States. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 136.7 million people aged 12 or older used alcohol and about 15.1 million people had an alcohol addiction in 2016. Beer, wine and distilled spirits are generally the most common types of alcohol Americans drink.
Beer
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made from grain, hops, malt, yeast and water. In the United States, the alcohol content of beer generally ranges from three to six percent. However, malts, lager and ale drinks typically have higher levels of alcohol.
Wine
The alcohol content of most American wines runs between 9 percent and 14 percent. Fortified wines contain additional alcohol or brandy to increase the alcohol content, which often exceeds 14 percent.
Spirits
Distilled spirits typically contain more alcohol than beer or wine. A 2014 report by the World Health Organization found that spirits was the second most popular form of alcohol among Americans.
Grain Alcohol: Popular Among College Students
Grain alcohol is a purified form of ethanol typically made from grains such as barley, corn, rye and wheat. Sometimes marketed as moonshine, it contains significantly more alcohol than beer and can even be twice as strong as vodka.
Bacardi 151, a type of grain alcohol, is a type of rum composed of about 75 percent alcohol. Everclear is a popular grain alcohol that comes in two forms: 151-proof and 190-proof. A 190-proof bottle of grain alcohol contains 95 percent alcohol. Alcohol proof is defined as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume.
Grain alcohol is a popular drink mixer among college students. And according to a study for the Maryland Collaborative to Reduce College Drinking and Related Problems, binge-drinking college students are more than 36 times more likely than those who don’t binge drink to consume grain alcohol.
Because of their high alcohol content, 190-proof grain alcohols such as moonshine are banned from use in Maryland and at least a dozen other states.
How Ethanol Affects the Body
Ethanol is a powerful depressant that affects the central nervous system. It can lead to problems in the brain, heart, liver, pancreas and immune system. Chronic ethanol use can cause increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, pneumonia and other infections.
Consuming a moderate amount of the substance can relax the muscles, affect coordination and impair judgement. Drinking large amounts of the substance can lead to alcohol addiction, alcohol poisoning and overdose.
- Irregular heartbeat
- Stroke
- Fibrosis
- Stretching and drooping of the heart muscle
- Cancer
Alcohol abuse can lead to problems at home, school and work. People who develop a substance use disorder compulsively seek alcohol despite knowing the social, legal and health effects of alcohol.
Those who abuse EtOH may have disruptive sleep habits, exhibit erratic behavior and lose control over their substance use. If you believe you have a substance use disorder, consider seeking alcohol rehab to receive evidence-based treatment that can help you achieve sobriety and improve your health.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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Matt Gonzales is a writer and researcher for DrugRehab.com. He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction. Certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in health literacy, Matt leverages his experience in addiction research to provide hope to those struggling with substance use disorders.
Medical Reviewer
Psychiatrist,
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