Ethyl alcohol (Ethanol, Alcoholic Beverages)

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is one of the most common psychoactive substances in the world. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor, which is widely used as a main component in alcoholic beverages. Although drinking alcohol in moderation can be safe for most people, overconsumption of the substance can lead to serious health consequences and even cause death.

One of the features of ethyl alcohol is its selective psychotropic effect. This means that it affects different areas of the brain, causing changes in mood, thinking and behavior. When alcohol is taken orally, toxic doses can cause symptoms of intoxication, which include euphoria, decreased coordination of movements, lethargy, and decreased response to stimuli.

However, with a further increase in the dose of ethyl alcohol, serious consequences may develop, including coma. Signs of overdose include cold clammy skin, flushing of the face and conjunctiva, decreased body temperature, vomiting, involuntary urination and defecation. The pupils may constrict and, as breathing disorders increase, dilate. Horizontal nystagmus, slow breathing, rapid and weak pulse, convulsions, aspiration of vomit, and laryngospasm may also be observed. Respiratory arrest is possible as a result of mechanical asphyxia and acute cardiovascular failure.

The lethal dose of ethyl alcohol is about 300 ml of 96% alcohol, but in people accustomed to alcohol it is much higher.

In case of an overdose of ethyl alcohol, immediate assistance is required. Treatment includes gastric lavage through a tube (if tracheal intubation is not possible, it is not recommended), the use of a saline laxative and forced diuresis with blood alkalization. It is necessary to restore impaired breathing, for which they perform an oral toilet, fix the tongue with a tongue holder, and suck out the mucus from the mouth and pharynx. To reduce hypersalivation and bronchorrhea, atropine (1 ml of 0.1% solution), as well as cordiamine (2 ml), caffeine (2 ml of 20% solution) can be used subcutaneously, intralingually or intravenously. In the absence of pharyngeal reflexes, tracheal intubation and artificial ventilation are necessary.

To accelerate the oxidation of alcohol, glucose (500 ml of a 20% solution with 20 units of insulin) can be used intravenously, as well as thiamine (5 ml of a 5% solution), pyridoxine (2 ml of a 5% solution) intramuscularly and nicotinic acid (1 ml of a 5% solution ) subcutaneously. To correct metabolic acidosis, a 4% solution of sodium bicarbonate up to 1000 ml can be used intravenously. Antibiotics may be used according to indications. In case of toxic shock, it may be necessary to use plasma replacement fluids, ephedrine, and in case of persistent hypotension, prednisolone (60-100 mg intravenously).

In conclusion, ethyl alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can cause serious health effects and even cause death if consumed in large doses. In case of overdose, immediate assistance is required, including gastric lavage and restoration of impaired breathing. Therefore, it is important to monitor the amount of alcohol you drink and not exceed the permitted dose to maintain your health and well-being.