What is EtOH?

EtOH is a scientific way to reference alcohol. The abbreviation comes from the ingredient in alcoholic beverages called ethanol that gets you drunk. 

Ethanol is found in beer, wine and liquor. (It’s also used in industrial chemicals like paint and car gasoline). 

“Et” refers to the ethyl group and “OH” refers to the hydroxyl at the end. (Pretty fancy stuff).

Page Topics
EtOH Meaning | Ethanol, Ethyl Alcohol | EtOH Toxicity

What does EtOH stand for in medical terms?

The word “alcohol” can be substituted for EtOH when used in medical terminologies, like on a hospital bill.

Here are a few examples:

• Etoh withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal is symptoms that occur when someone stops alcohol after a period of heavy drinking.
• Etoh use: Alcohol use means a person has or does drink alcohol. It does not necessarily mean problem drinking. 
• Etoh intoxication: Alcohol intoxication is a disturbance in behavior or mental function during or after drinking alcohol.
• Etoh cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis is an advanced stage of alcoholic liver disease where the liver is stiff, swollen and barely able to do its job. (See first signs of liver damage article).
• Etoh abuse: Alcohol abuse is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. (See alcoholism definition article).
• Etoh test: Determines if alcohol was consumed by looking for ethanol in the breath, urine, blood, saliva or hair.

What is ethanol abuse?

Ethanol in this case just means alcohol. So, ethanol abuse means struggling with problem drinking. 

Is ethyl alcohol the same as ethanol?

Ethyl alcohol, Ethanol, EtOH and grain alcohol all mean alcohol. Chemists use these words interchangeably to mean drinking alcohol (as opposed to toxic alcohols like rubbing alcohol).

Ethanol is also used as a fuel and chemical additive. Manufacturers use a process called denaturing to make ethanol undrinkable. 

(For more, see Is alcohol a depressant? and Alcohol is a drug? questions to learn more about what drinking alcohol is).

Is ethanol toxic?

Yes. Drinking too much alcohol or even drinking a small amount of pure alcohol can lead directly to coma and death.

Damage from alcohol toxicity becomes most evident if alcohol is used chronically over many years. Excessive drinking causes damage to the body, which becomes permanent over time. (See the Wet Brain Meaning article).

Sadly, alcohol-related deaths are increasing in the U.S., but I am living proof you can get your health (and your life) back on track after alcohol relapse.

If you need help:

• Learn more about the nationally-rated alcohol rehab in Murfreesboro, TN or visit Alcohol Rehabilitation Kentucky.

Don’t delay getting help. You can do this!