ABSTRACT
Alcohol is a general chemical term that is applied to a family of structurally related organic compounds. The most common alcohols involved in toxic exposures are ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. The clinical toxicology of isopropanol closely resembles that of ethanol. The toxic potential of methanol far exceeds that of ethanol. Practices that are structured around consuming large amounts of ethanol products over short periods can have lethal consequences from the toxicity of ethyl alcohol, especially with the lack of realization of the eminent possibility of death by family members, friends, and other bystanders. Methyl alcohol is an extremely toxic substance that is potentially lethal and can also produce permanent blindness. Toxic batches of moonshine are occasionally produced and distributed within the United States and are responsible for poisoning groups of individuals. Among the factors that predispose to blackouts are gulping drinks and drinking on an empty stomach, both of which lead to rapid rises in blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
