While it can be extremely difficult to stop drinking, it is possible with professional help. Because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, you should always attend a medical detox center when you have an alcohol addiction. 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. The liver is responsible for turning alcohol into a non-toxic substance before the kidney can eliminate ethanol out of the body. However, the liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a given time.

How Are Addictions Formed?
It may be in an inpatient or outpatient setting, and may require detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms. If a person believes that they are misusing alcohol, they should what is alcoholism consider seeking medical help. Early intervention can help prevent some of the negative consequences of drinking. It’s defined as five or more drinks in one drinking session for men and four or more for women. According to the CDC, 90% of those who drink alcohol also excessively binge drink. The CDC also found that those who binge drink consume eight or more drinks at a time.
- EtOH stands for ethyl alcohol, a type of alcohol made from fermenting sugars in grains, fruits, or vegetables.
- The abbreviation “EtOH” comes from its chemical name, which is ethanol (Et) + hydroxyl (OH).
- People with AUD may also hide their drinking, downplay how much they use, or grow defensive when others express concern.
- It is one of the universal solvents and is even used as an antiseptic in some situations.
- This leads to poor decision-making, foggy thinking, and emotional numbness.
Recovery Programs

ETOH stands for ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, which is a colourless, volatile liquid that is the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Ethanol is also used in the ETOH abuse manufacture of perfumes, solvents, and as a fuel additive. In the context of substance abuse, ETOH refers specifically to alcohol, the psychoactive substance that has the ability to alter mood, perception, and behaviour.
ETOH addiction
- People experiencing alcohol misuse disorder should seek medical attention.
- However, remember that struggling with ethanol abuse is not a sign of weakness, and it doesn’t define a person.
- However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
At the Blackberry Center, we are also qualified dual diagnosis providers, meaning that we are prepared to treat addiction alongside any co-occurring mental disorders. The Chief Medical Officers for the UK recommend that if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep the risk to your baby to a minimum. Severely dependent drinkers are often able to tolerate very high levels of alcohol in amounts that would dangerously affect or even kill some people.
- That struggle can feel isolating, but fortunately, recovery isn’t something anyone has to face by themselves.
- After your detox, you’ll receive individual counselling such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help you get to the roots of your alcohol abuse.
- Ethanol, like other substances with psychoactive properties, can lead to both psychological and physical dependence.
- You might not recognize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are related to alcohol use.
- Over time, this behavior can escalate into dependency, where the individual finds it difficult—or impossible—to control their drinking.
What is Alcohol Abuse? – Effects of Alcohol Abuse

It is a form of substance use disorder specifically related to the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol dependence syndrome is another term used to describe this condition. Alcohol addiction can have severe physical, psychological, and social consequences and can significantly impair a person’s daily functioning. ETOH abuse is a term you might hear to describe an alcohol use problem. Such problems are characterized by excessive alcohol intake that affects a person’s ability to function and an inability to reduce or stop drinking.