Clandestine alcoholaemia
Abstract
Alcohol is one of the oldest and most widely used drugs. In fact, due to its disinhibition and euphoria-inducing properties, alcohol is commonly used for recreation purposes and considered a substance of social use. However, in spite of that, truth is that alcohol still remains a drug of abuse. With this work, we aim to explore and discuss the different forms of alcohol consumption, as well as review the existing literature on this topic.
A non-systematic literature review was carried out based on a bibliographic search using PubMed and Google Scholar on the terms 'alcohol consumption' and 'non-oral routes of alcohol'.
Whether is to achieve higher blood alcohol levels in a shorter period of time, to follow social media trends/challenges or peer pressure, as a way to avoid 'hangover' symptoms or as an attempt to hide the acute state of intoxication from others, alcohol users keep looking for alternative ways to consume it. These new practices are designated by terms such as 'Tampodka' (soaking feminine hygiene products in alcohol, which later is introduced in areas such as vagina), 'Eyeballing' (the absorption of alcohol through the ocular mucosa), 'Oxy-shots' (the consumption of alcoholic beverages through vaporization devices), among others.
The knowledge of this alternative/clandestine ways of alcohol consumption is an asset: as citizens and family members, it allows us to pay attention to those around us and be aware of the consequences of this consumption; as health professionals it helps us recognize its signs, symptoms, as well as to implement appropriate treatment plans.