Theo Nash
Many household items contain alcohol in various amounts, and some people abuse these products to get high or drunk. These include mouthwash, which contains ethanol; cough syrup, which contains dextromethorphan; and vanilla, almond, and lemon extract, which contain up to 83% alcohol. Other household items that can be abused for a high include nutmeg, whipped cream containers, and morning glory seeds. Inhalants are also commonly available in homes and are often the first substance that adolescents experiment with. It is important to keep addictive substances out of the reach of children and to communicate with them about the dangers of these products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Household items with alcohol | Mouthwash, cough syrup, hand sanitiser, perfume, cologne, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon extract, rubbing alcohol, nutmeg, whipped cream containers, morning glory seeds, aerosol canisters, deodorizers, air fresheners |
| Reasons for abuse | To get high, drunk, or intoxicated |
| Effects | Vomiting, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, confusion, delirium, cold or blue-tinted skin, coma, death |
| Abuse by | Teenagers, young adults, adults |
| Prevention | Keeping addictive substances out of reach, educating children about dangers, modelling responsible behaviour |
Explore related products
$3.49 $4.38
What You'll Learn
Flavoured extracts
Despite their intended culinary use, there have been reports of people abusing flavoured extracts to get drunk. This is dangerous because the type of alcohol in extracts is often more potent than that found in liquor, wine, or beer, and abusing them can lead to alcohol poisoning. Ingesting large amounts of flavoured extracts can cause confusion, delirium, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, blue-tinted or cold skin, and seizures.
For those avoiding alcohol, it is possible to make non-alcoholic flavoured extracts at home. These can be made with food-grade liquid glycerin, which is derived from animal fats or vegetable oil. The resulting extract has a syrupy consistency and works just as well in recipes as its alcoholic counterpart. It is also sugar-free, gluten-free, and has a longer shelf life, typically lasting up to four years in the pantry.
In addition to their culinary uses, flavoured extracts can also be used to make liqueurs. Liqueurs have a lower alcohol concentration (15%-30%), a higher sugar content, and a lower concentration of flavouring components compared to extracts. Common liqueurs that can be made using extracts include almond, orange, lemon, anise, hazelnut, peppermint, and cinnamon.
Attending a Wedding with Alcohol? Here's How to Navigate It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mouthwash
The alcohol in mouthwash serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to fight bacteria that cause bad breath. Secondly, it acts as a carrier for flavouring agents and other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavour of the mouthwash. Additionally, in mouthwashes with higher alcohol concentrations (18-27%), alcohol potentiates the effect of essential oils, allowing them to achieve high penetration in soft tissues within 30 seconds.
Due to its high alcohol content, mouthwash is sometimes misused or abused as a substitute for alcoholic beverages. This practice is dangerous and can lead to intoxication and even alcohol poisoning if consumed in large quantities. People may turn to mouthwash as a surrogate alcohol source due to its low cost and availability in settings where alcoholic drinks are not accessible, such as hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, or military environments.
The potential health risks of consuming mouthwash go beyond intoxication and poisoning. The practice of drinking mouthwash has been associated with oral cancer, although the evidence is inconclusive. Some studies have suggested a relationship between alcohol mouthwash and oral cancer, especially with high-frequency usage. However, other studies have failed to find a direct link.
It is crucial to understand that mouthwash is not designed to be ingested. Aside from ethanol, mouthwash contains other ingredients that can be harmful to the body if consumed in large quantities. These non-alcoholic ingredients, such as eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol, have been linked to severe metabolic acidosis following massive mouthwash ingestion (3L or more).
Colonoscopy and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Mix?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cough syrup
The abuse of cough syrup and other household products is a serious issue that can lead to alcohol poisoning and other health complications. The type of alcohol in these products can be more potent than that found in liquor, wine, or beer, increasing the risk of poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, delirium, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, blue-tinted or cold skin, and seizures.
To prevent cough syrup abuse, parents can keep it out of the reach of children and teenagers. It is crucial to communicate with children about the dangers of substance abuse and look for any behavioural changes or signs of drug abuse. If you suspect someone is abusing cough syrup, seek professional help immediately.
While most cough syrups contain alcohol, there are alcohol-free alternatives available on the market. For example, Delsym offers an alcohol-free grape-flavoured liquid cough suppressant that provides 12 hours of relief from coughing spells. This product is also recommended by pharmacists and deemed safe for individuals with COPD.
In conclusion, cough syrup is a common household item that can be abused similarly to alcohol due to its alcohol content and the presence of dextromethorphan. However, recognising the signs of substance abuse and seeking appropriate assistance can help address this issue. Additionally, individuals can opt for alcohol-free cough syrups to avoid any potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Absorption: Does Digestion Come First?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$21.49
Inhalants
Volatile Solvents
Volatile solvents are substances that become vapours that can be inhaled. These include products like nail polish remover, correction fluid, and glue. The fumes from these products can cause a high when inhaled.
Aerosols
Aerosols are sprays that can be inhaled. One common example is nitrous oxide, often found in whipped cream dispensers and referred to as "whippets," "whippits," or "whip-its." These are inhaled for recreational purposes and can cause a feeling of numbness, weakness, loss of balance, dizziness, and impaired memory.
Gases
There are many types of gases found in household products that can cause a high when inhaled. Nitrates, for example, can be found in household products like air fresheners and deodorizers.
It is important to note that abusing household products to get high is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning. The type of alcohol in many household items is often more potent than that found in alcoholic beverages, and ingestion or inhalation of these products can have severe consequences.
Preservatives in Alcohol: What's in Your Drink?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nutmeg
The side effects of nutmeg intoxication can be dangerous and vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include fever, aggression, agitation, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastric distress. In some severe cases, toxic doses of myristicin have led to organ failure and even death. Therefore, while nutmeg is commonly used as a spice, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with consuming large amounts.
To prevent nutmeg intoxication, it is essential to use nutmeg in small amounts as recommended in standard cooking recipes. Additionally, it is crucial to keep nutmeg and other potentially harmful household items out of the reach of children and teens. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, seek professional help from treatment centres or healthcare providers.
The Magic of Pitch, Alcohol, and Temperature
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Many household items contain ethanol, the same alcohol found in beverages like beer or liquor. These include vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon extract, hand sanitizer, perfume or cologne, mouthwash, and cough syrup.
Flavored extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon extract contain anywhere from 35% to 83% alcohol, making them 70 proof. Mouthwash and cough syrup contain ethanol, though the amount is unclear.
The alcohol in these products is more potent than that found in liquor, wine, and beer. Ingesting these items can cause alcohol poisoning, which can lead to vomiting, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, confusion, delirium, and cold or blue-tinted skin.
Yes, nutmeg, when consumed in large quantities, can create a hallucinogenic effect. Inhalants like whipped cream containers and aerosols are commonly abused by adolescents.
Signs of abuse may include behavior changes, confusion, delirium, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, blue-tinted or cold skin, and seizures.
