Sources of alcohol substitutes:
(1) industrial ethanol
(2) topical antiseptic
(3) alcohol-containing mouthwashes
(4) de-icing liquids
(5) eau de cologne
(6) moonshine
(7) illegal liquor sold by criminal syndicates
Reasons for ingestion:
(1) cheaper
(2) ignorance of dangers or misinformation about safety
(3) desperate and willing to do anything (early withdrawal, other)
(4) poor judgment
(5) mental illness
Toxic substances may include:
(1) denaturants added to industrial ethanol
(2) methanol, isopropanol or other forms of alcohol
(3) heavy metals from moonshine
(4) additives used by criminals when "cutting" a legitimate bottle of liquor
(5) additives normally in the liquid and never meant for internal consumption
Risk factors associated with a toxic reaction:
(1) frequent ingestion of a substitute alcohol
(2) large amount of substitute alcohol ingested
(3) concentration of the toxin in the substitute source
(4) toxicity of the compound
(5) comorbid condition in the patient such as renal insufficiency or cardiomyopathy
Redistilling an ethanol-containing fluid is one way to reduce the risk, but usually the person is too far gone to attempt this.
