The Dark History Of Alcoholics And Their Preferred Drink

Alcoholics in Russia have been known to drink cologne as a substitute for alcoholic beverages. This is due to a combination of factors, including the high price of alcohol, lack of access, and desperation. The cologne they drink is not meant for consumption and contains high levels of alcohol, with some products containing 95% alcohol by volume. This practice has severe health risks, including acute alcohol poisoning and liver cirrhosis. It is important to note that the alcohol used in perfumes and colognes is typically denatured, meaning it is processed and mixed with additives to make it non-consumable. While it is not intended for drinking, those struggling with alcoholism may still turn to it as a last resort.

Why do alcoholics drink cologne?

Alcoholics may drink cologne due to a number of factors, including desperation, a lack of access to drinking ethanol, or the simple unavailability of alcoholic beverages. Cologne contains a high percentage of alcohol, usually in the form of ethanol or ethyl alcohol, which can produce a state of intoxication.

In some cases, alcoholics may turn to cologne as a cheaper alternative to alcoholic drinks. This is particularly common in regions where alcohol is heavily taxed or difficult to obtain. For example, in Russia, it is common for alcoholics to drink cologne, antiseptics, and medicinal tinctures due to their high alcohol content and low cost. The consumption of these substances carries extreme health risks due to the high concentration of ethanol and the presence of other toxic substances.

It is important to note that the alcohol in cologne is typically denatured, meaning it has been processed and mixed with additives to make it unfit for consumption. This is done to avoid excise taxes and prevent the illegal use of cologne as an alcoholic beverage. Despite this, some individuals still consume cologne, putting themselves at risk of acute and chronic poisoning from substances such as methanol, isopropanol, and lead.

In addition to the health risks, consuming cologne can also have social and economic implications. Individuals who resort to drinking cologne may face social stigma and be perceived as desperate or destitute. Furthermore, the high cost of cologne compared to other alcoholic beverages can lead to financial strain for those struggling with alcoholism.

Overall, while cologne may be appealing to alcoholics due to its high alcohol content and availability, consuming it carries significant health and social risks. It is important to seek help and support if struggling with alcoholism, rather than resorting to unsafe alternatives like cologne.

Is cologne cheaper than alcohol?

The term "surrogate alcohol" refers to any ethanol-containing substance that is intentionally consumed by humans but is not meant for human consumption. This includes commonly available liquids such as aftershave, perfume, cologne, cleaning fluids, charcoal lighter fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Consumption of such substances carries extreme health risks due to the high toxicity of the ethanol content and other substances that may be present.

Cologne, like perfume, is a scented formulation that typically contains 2-5% essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. The original Eau de Cologne, created in 1709, was a spirit-citrus perfume with a base of dilute ethanol (70-90%).

The price of cologne varies widely, with cheap colognes available for less than $20 and expensive colognes ranging from $80 for a small bottle to hundreds of dollars. The difference between cheap and expensive colognes lies in the quality of the ingredients, the complexity of the fragrance, and the status associated with the brand.

Cheap colognes tend to be heavily alcohol-based and scented with pre-made artificial fragrances, resulting in a potent, heavy, and simple odour. They are often purchased for daily use due to their affordability. On the other hand, expensive colognes are more subtle, well-crafted, and distinct, with fragrances that are carefully tailored and complex. They are composed of natural ingredients, infusions, and oils that work better with the wearer's body chemistry, resulting in a fragrance that evolves throughout the day.

While it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the prices of cologne and alcohol due to the wide range of options available for both products, it is safe to say that cologne can be cheaper than alcohol, depending on the specific products being compared. For example, a cheap cologne costing less than $20 would likely be cheaper than a premium bottle of alcohol. However, a small bottle of expensive cologne costing hundreds of dollars would likely be more expensive than a standard bottle of alcohol. Ultimately, the decision between cologne and alcohol depends on one's budget, preferences, and intended use.

What are the dangers of drinking cologne?

While cologne is intended to be used as a perfume, some people have consumed it as a substitute for alcoholic beverages. However, drinking cologne can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health risks, including acute and chronic poisoning.

Firstly, cologne contains a high concentration of alcohol, typically between 70-90% in the case of eau de cologne. The specific type of alcohol commonly found in cologne is ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, which is a neutral and odourless substance. While ethanol is the same type of alcohol found in consumable alcoholic beverages, the extremely high concentration in cologne means that consuming even a small amount can lead to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vertigo, impaired coordination, balance and judgment, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and in severe cases, heart failure, stroke, and death.

In addition to the high alcohol content, cologne may also contain other toxic substances that are harmful to the human body. These can include isopropanol, methanol, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptics, ketones, and various other chemicals. These substances can cause acute poisoning and carry serious health risks. For example, methanol is highly poisonous and can lead to methanol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

Furthermore, the scented ingredients in cologne are often not disclosed by the manufacturers due to "trade secrets". This lack of transparency makes it difficult to know exactly what substances are being ingested when consuming cologne. Some of these scented ingredients may include respiratory sensitizers that trigger wheezing or asthma, hormone sensitizers that affect the endocrine system, and secret ingredients that may be harmful to the reproductive system over time.

Consuming cologne can also lead to a condition known as "perfume poisoning" or "cologne poisoning". Symptoms of cologne poisoning include a decreased level of consciousness, including coma, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, low body temperature, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, seizures, and uncoordinated movement. In children, cologne poisoning can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, which can have severe consequences.

In conclusion, drinking cologne is extremely dangerous and can lead to a range of serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, acute and chronic poisoning from toxic substances, and cologne poisoning. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if cologne has been ingested, especially in the case of children.

What is surrogate alcohol?

The term "surrogate alcohol" refers to substances that contain ethanol and are intentionally consumed by humans but are not meant for human consumption. Some definitions also include illegally produced alcoholic drinks. Surrogate alcohols are often consumed as a last resort by those who are underage, homeless, or unable to afford or access consumable alcoholic beverages. Examples include aftershave, perfume, cologne, cleaning fluids, charcoal lighter fluid, windshield washer fluid, and denatured alcohol.

The consumption of surrogate alcohol carries significant health risks due to its high ethanol content and the presence of other toxic substances. The ethanol content can lead to alcohol poisoning, with symptoms such as vertigo, impaired coordination, nausea, blurred vision, and long-term effects like heart failure and stroke. The additional toxic substances in surrogate alcohol include hydrogen peroxide, antiseptics, ketones, and other alcohols such as isopropanol and methanol. Methanol is particularly poisonous and has been linked to high mortality rates in countries with high surrogate alcohol consumption, such as Russia.

The term "cologne" is commonly used to refer to perfumes marketed toward men, and these products typically contain ethanol. In Yevgeny Yevtushenko's poem, 'About Drinking', the author describes a scenario where, due to the unavailability of liquor, a case of Eau de Cologne is consumed as a substitute.

While cologne may be consumed as a surrogate alcohol, it is important to note that it is not meant for human consumption and can pose serious health risks. The original Eau de Cologne, created by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709, was intended solely as a perfume.

What is the alcohol content of cologne?

While cologne is not meant for human consumption, it is often included in the category of surrogate alcohol, which refers to any substance containing ethanol that is ingested by humans but is not meant for consumption. Surrogate alcohol is typically sought as a last resort by those who are desperate, underage, or unable to afford consumable alcoholic beverages.

The alcohol content of cologne varies depending on the type of fragrance. Generally, colognes have a lower concentration of perfume essence, which ranges from 2% to 5% of the total mixture. The rest of the mixture is comprised of alcohol, typically ethyl alcohol or ethanol, which acts as a neutral and odourless support for the perfuming substance.

The alcohol content in colognes can range from 70% to 92%, depending on the specific type of cologne. For example, eau de cologne typically contains a higher percentage of alcohol, ranging from 70% to 90%. The high alcohol content in colognes contributes to their light and fresh scent, making them ideal for summer wear.

It is important to note that consuming cologne carries significant health risks due to the presence of ethanol and other toxic substances. The ethanol content can lead to alcohol poisoning, and the additional toxic substances can cause acute and chronic poisoning. As such, the consumption of cologne or any other surrogate alcohol is strongly discouraged.

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