Alcohol Awareness Month

This article is courtesy of MPC intern, Bianca Jackson.

What Does ETOH Mean?

ETOH is the abbreviation for ethanol, which is the chemical name for alcohol found in beer, wine, liquor, etc. Healthcare professionals typically use the term ETOH in medical records and in clinical settings when they refer to the use of alcohol. Even though alcohol is only legal for adults who are over 21 in the U.S., it’s a powerful substance that not only impacts the brain and body of people 21 and over, but also under 21 too.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

When consumed, alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. This means that it slows brain activity and impacts how the body normally functions. Some of the effects people might notice after drinking alcohol are slower reaction times, impaired judgment, slurred speech, among others. Because of these effects, doing things like driving or working with machinery is extremely dangerous when you are under the influence of alcohol.

As time goes on, overindulging alcohol use can cause damage to several organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Long-term use of alcohol has been linked to liver dis

ease, heart and memory problems, and having weak immune system function.

Risks of Excessive Alcohol Use

Excessive use of alcohol has both short and long-term effects. Some short-term effects might be accidents, injuries, and risky decision-making. Some long-term effects might be chronic health conditions, as well as building a dependence on the use of alcohol.

One of the most serious conditions following excessive alcohol use is Alcohol Use Disorder. It occurs when a person can’t control their drinking despite it having negative impacts on their health, relationships in their lives, and their responsibilities.

Warning Signs of Problematic Drinking

Being able to recognize signs of unhealthy alcohol use is an important part of ETOH awareness. Some warning signs might be:

• Drinking often and in large amounts

• Feeling very strong cravings for alcohol

• Using alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anger, etc.

• Not being able to cut back or stop drinking

  
  

Promoting Awareness and Prevention

Organizations such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism work to teach the public about drinking responsibly and why alcohol misuse can be very dangerous. ETOH awareness month is so important because the misuse of alcohol doesn’t only affect the person drinking, but their families, friends and other important people in their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive alcohol use, know that you can seek help from a healthcare professional, counselor, or ask for help from a trusted support system.

What Parents Should Know

Parents play an important role in preventing underage drinking and teaching their children about responsible alcohol use. Parents should have open and honest conversations with their kids about the risks of alcohol, like impaired judgement, accidents, and other long-term health effects. Being able to model responsible drinking behavior, setting clear boundaries and expectations, and knowing different warning signs of dangerous alcohol use like drinking in secret, changes in mood, or frequent intoxication can really help protect teens. For any additional guidance and research, parents can visit the following website from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism which gives tips to parents and materials on alcohol prevention: Parenting To Prevent Childhood Alcohol Use | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)