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The Dangers of Drinking Everclear

Man laying on couch with hand over head, struggling with Everclear hangover headache

Everclear’s high proof and fairly cheap price make it attractive to certain drinkers, especially teens and college-aged students. But is Everclear dangerous? Regardless of a person’s age, drinking Everclear can be very dangerous, even in small amounts. The strength of this liquor can quickly place a person’s life in jeopardy. Everclear use can rapidly lead to alcohol poisoning and death.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, Vertava Health’s alcohol rehab center can help. Contact us at 844.470.0410 to learn more about the dangers of drinking Everclear.

What Is Everclear?

Everclear is a grain-distilled spirit. At 151 and 190 proof, 75.5 percent and 95 percent, respectively, Everclear is the most potent liquor on the market. To put this in perspective, many other popular liquors, such as vodka and rum, are less than half the potency of Everclear 190, falling around 80 proof. Drinking one shot of Everclear 190 more than doubles the effect of alcohol on a person’s body. Because of the potency and dangers that surround it, the stronger proof is illegal in many states across the U.S. But, certain people go to great lengths to find and use this substance. Some go so far as to drive across state lines or have a friend or family member bring them a bottle from out of state. As the name suggests, Everclear is clear and, for the most part, tasteless and odorless, a combination that makes it dangerous when mixed into a drink. Because of this, a person may not realize that they are consuming it (as opposed to a different liquor) and drink at the rate they normally do. This is especially dangerous when a person is binge drinking or consuming a large number of drinks in a small amount of time. Even with the knowledge that a person is consuming Everclear, it’s far too easy to drink a dangerous amount of Everclear in a short time. Just one shot of Everclear could make a person sick and endanger their health in a very short amount of time. According to the manufacturers, Everclear is not meant to be consumed straight, rather, it is considered an “unfinished ingredient” intended to be diluted or used to make alcohol of a lower proof. Despite this warning, many people continue to drink this substance in a way other than intended, which can quickly place them at risk of serious harm.

The Dangers of Drinking Everclear

Everclear is an especially dangerous form of alcohol. It is easy to drink this substance in large amounts without noticing. This can lead to serious health consequences and even death if a person’s drinking is not stopped in time. The dangers of drinking Everclear should not be ignored.

While the main risks associated with drinking Everclear include alcohol poisoning and death, other risks include:

  • Slowed or irregular heartbeats
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness and loss of balance
  • Irritability, confusion, and difficulty concentrating
  • Sweating and shakiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures and more severe respiratory distress

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. The Dangers Of Smoking Everclear

As people look for new ways to increase the buzz of alcohol and avoid some of its unpleasant effects, dangerous methods of consuming alcohol are increasing in popularity. In recent years, smoking alcohol has become more widespread, a behavior that could make Everclear even more dangerous. Reports suggest that some people are experimenting with smoking Everclear. Smoking alcohol has gained in popularity for several reasons, namely due to the intrigue surrounding it and the assumption that this method bypasses the calories normally associated with drinking. Using alcohol this way can also cause overdose more rapidly, as a person isn’t able to control the amount of alcohol they’re using and when it’s in the liquid form.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is common with drinking large amounts of alcohol, especially with a substance like Everclear. Some common signs of alcohol poisoning include:

  • Leaking or clogged breathing tubes
  • Irregular or slow heartbeat
  • Seizures and convulsions
  • Clammy or bluish skin
  • Low body temperature

If you suspect that you, a friend, a family member, or a loved one, has alcohol poisoning, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Additional Risks Of Everclear Alcohol Use

Both binge and heavy drinking of any form of alcohol can cause a host of health and serious medical problems. Drinking alcohol with extreme alcohol content, like Everclear, could place a person at a greater risk of developing these conditions. Binge and heavy drinking have been linked to:

  • Brain damage
  • Cardiac problems (stroke, heart disease)
  • Certain types of cancer (breast, colon, esophagus, mouth, throat, liver)
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • An increased risk of falls and injuries
  • Liver disease
  • Memory and learning problems
  • Pregnancy complications (miscarriage, stillbirth)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Sudden infant death syndrome
  • Suicide
  • Unintended pregnancy

Alcohol use and the chronic patterns of drinking associated with alcoholism can also cause serious problems in a person’s family, relationships, and career. Alcohol use has also been linked to various mood and anxiety disorders. These harmful drinking patterns can upset a person’s mental and emotional health to the extent they may cause or aggravate certain mental health problems. The sooner a person is able to conquer alcohol use, the better. Sobriety can help to reduce the short- and long-term effects of alcohol use and addiction.

Find Treatment For Alcohol Use and Addiction at Vertava Health

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, help is available. At Vertava Health Center, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment programs that can help people overcome their substance use disorders and reclaim their lives. Contact us today at 844.470.0410 to learn more about our treatment options and start your journey toward recovery.