Alcohol (ethanol) is a psychoactive substance found in beer, wine, and spirits. It can affect judgment, coordination, memory, and breathing; effects vary with amount, timing, health, and medicines.
Health effects and risks
High levels can cause alcohol poisoning, unconsciousness, and death. Repeated heavy use can contribute to health problems and alcohol use disorder. People who have been drinking heavily for a prolonged time should seek medical advice before stopping suddenly, because withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Testing and next steps
Drug screens vary by specimen and by the substances listed on a test’s panel. Check the instructions and panel before selecting a test; do not assume every product detects this substance. A home screen is preliminary. For more on specimen types, read Drug Testing Methods; for a preliminary positive result, read Unexpected or Preliminary Positive Results. The Substance Information hub lists the current staging test options.
Sources and support
See the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Commonly Abused Drugs chart for a general overview. For confidential U.S. treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Call 911 for a medical emergency.
For more, see the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s treatment information.