In order to satisfy an alcohol addiction, a person who cannot obtain alcohol that is meant to be consumed (i.e. spirits) may actually consume other liquids. These can include such things as food products with high alcohol content, household or commercial cleaning products that use alcohol as part of the ingredients or propellant material, and medicinal items that contain alcohol.
Food products which contain alcohol in substantial amounts can include various food extracts such as vanilla or almond flavored extracts. These are intended to be used in cooking and baking in small amounts, usually one to two teaspoons at the most. However, a person satisfying an alcohol addiction may drink an entire bottle of the liquid in order to at least dampen the craving for alcohol.
Household or commercial cleaning products often contain alcohol. Persons suffering from alcohol addiction have been known to take those which have spray nozzles, and direct the contents into a cup or glass. Often they will spray the contents very close to the side or the bottom of the receptacle in order to receive the maximum amount of liquid. They then dilute the liquid with just enough water to allow them to be able to consume the resulting beverage.
Others have been known to drink the type of alcohol used for medicinal purposes. The most common type of medicinal alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. Certain cold and cough remedies, as well as some prescription medications, also have high alcohol content.
When a person uses any of the above-mentioned items to satisfy an alcohol addiction, the possibility of severe physical effects can result. Isopropyl alcohol, in particular, acts as a powerful toxin, while the chemicals still present in the household or commercial cleaners can lead to organ damage and even blindness. Any of these products can cause a person’s death.
Overdosing on cold and cough remedies, or prescription medication, carries its own dangers. These can include a worsening of side effects that can already occur to even death if the product contains a controlled substance as well as alcohol.
Before a loved one has gotten to that point, it is imperative that family members and others who are concerned get information on an alcohol rehab program which will help the person with an alcohol addiction. By logging on to http://www.alcoholrehab.net/ or calling 1-866-923-1134, help can be obtained before it is too late.
