Surrogate alcohol

Surrogate Alcohol is a term for any substance containing alcohol that is consumed but is not meant for human consumption. Most people turn to these as a last resort either out of desperation or being unable to afford consumable alcoholic beverages.

Common Surrogate Alcohols

Many alcoholic liquids contain alcohol but are not meant to be drunk like beer, wine or spirits are. Typical surrogate alcohols include:

*Mouthwash
*Aftershave or cologne
*Cleaning fluids such as Windex
*Rubbing alcohol and other disinfectants
*Rocket fuel
*Paints
*Antifreeze
*Wiper fluid
*Liquid soap
*Moonshine and other homemade alcohols, including two or more of the above mixed together.

Dangers to Health

Most surrogate alcohols have very high alcoholic levels, some as high as 97%, and thus can lead to alcohol poisoning, along with other symptoms of alcohol abuse such as vertigo, impaired coordination, balance and judgment, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and even long-term effects such as heart failure and stroke.

Besides alcohol, there are many other toxic substances in surrogate alcohol such as hydrogen peroxide, antiseptics, ketones, as well as alcohols other than ethanol (drinking alcohol) such as isopropyl and methanol. Consumption of these can lead to internal hemorrhaging and scarring, ulcers, headaches, CNS depression, coma and death.

Russia

Surrogate alcohol is a common problem in Russia [http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-news/Russian-surrogate-alcohols-are-a-killer-1846-1/] contributing to the high rate of alcohol-related deaths in the country. During the reign of the Soviet Union alcoholic beverages were often the only things the general public could afford, which lead to the rampant alcoholism Russia still suffers today. Once the USSR collapsed however, alcohol prices went up, leading people to turn to cheaper surrogate alcohol to satisfy their craving.

Links

*http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-news/Russian-surrogate-alcohols-are-a-killer-1846-1/
*http://alcoholism.about.com/od/work/a/blacer051016.htm
*http://www.boozenews.ca/index.php?itemid=133