Alcohol is legal for sale and use by those over the age of 21 in most areas of the United States. Alcohol is widely accepted and available in many public settings. Surveys show that the majority of adults in the US report drinking alcohol at least occasionally.

While alcohol is easily accessible and accepted in the US, some people make their own alcoholic beverages at home. The term “moonshine” describes illegally distilled alcohol.

Moonshine typically has a very high alcohol content, increasing the risk of complications and overdose among people who drink it. Moonshine production can also cause contamination and other problems, making moonshine unsafe to drink.

This article will explore what moonshine is and the dangers of drinking it. You will learn:

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, effective treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our treatment specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Moonshine?

Moonshine is an illicit alcohol created with a unique distilling process to increase its alcohol content. People create moonshine by fermenting corn, yeast, and sugar, then distilling the liquor to create a high alcohol by volume (ABV).

Some liquor stores sell specialty products marketed as “moonshine.” However, these are typically commercially produced moonshine that borrow the name from illegally produced alcoholic drinks.

Moonshine originated in the 18th century. Farmers used to distill excess corn to increase profits and preserve crops. When the US government decided to tax alcohol, Pennsylvanian farmers began producing alcohol in secret. This is called the “whiskey rebellion.” They would work at night to avoid being caught, which is where the name “moonshine” comes from.

Moonshining gained popularity in the Appalachian region of the US. Rural and mountain communities were cut off from larger cities, limiting their access to alcohol. Making moonshine allowed these communities to control their alcohol production.

Moonshine became more popular during Prohibition, when the US government outlawed alcohol. During this time, people would make and distribute moonshine alcohol illegally.

Today, commercial distilleries produce strong alcohol products, including unaged whiskey, using a specialized fermentation process. These distilleries may add a variety of flavors to these spirits, including:

• Fruit
• Spices
• Herbs
• Maple syrup or honey
• Coffee
• Chocolate

While commercially produced moonshine may be safe, illegally produced moonshine may cause severe health complications. Moonshine typically has a very high ABV, which can increase the risk of unwanted side effects and complications.

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The Side Effects and Dangers of Drinking Moonshine

Moonshine is typically illegally produced alcohol with a high ABV. Drinking illegally produced moonshine can have additional risks.

Some of the side effects of drinking moonshine include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Disorientation

Because of moonshine’s high alcohol content, people are at higher risk of alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.

Some signs of alcohol poisoning include:

• Low body temperature
• Confusion or disorientation
• Irregular breathing (slow or shallow breathing)
• Clammy or pale skin
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting

People who experience alcohol poisoning need treatment right away. If you or someone near you have symptoms of alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Put the person in the recovery position and wait with them until help arrives.

Recognizing Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

Consuming moonshine can have serious health risks, including physical dependence. Frequent heavy drinking can lead to tolerance (needing more to get the effects you want) and addiction. According to the CDC, heavy drinking means:

• For men, drinking 15 or more alcoholic drinks per week
• For women, drinking eight or more alcoholic drinks

It can be difficult to determine the amount of alcohol in moonshine. Illicit moonshine production is unregulated, making it impossible to determine the amount of alcohol in a batch.

Some other signs of alcohol abuse and addiction include:

• Being able to drink a lot without feeling or appearing intoxicated
• Needing to drink more to get buzzed than before
• Doing dangerous things while drinking, like driving or having unprotected sex
• Regularly drinking more than you intended to
• Having cravings for alcohol
• Having legal, social, or financial trouble because of drinking
• Isolating or only spending time with others when drinking
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (tremors, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea) when you stop drinking
• Falling behind at work, school, or home responsibilities because of drinking

People with alcohol addiction may not be able to stop drinking on their own. Many require comprehensive treatment to quit. They may also need ongoing support to prevent relapse and protect their sobriety.

Alcohol addiction treatment typically includes medical detox programs, behavioral therapies, education, counseling, and other therapies. These therapies can help people identify and address the roots of their drinking and develop the skills to stay sober for life.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to explore your treatment options or schedule an appointment.

References:

1. JAMA Network: The Menace of “Moonshine” Whisky
2. Psychiatry Online: A Brief Review of Moonshine Use