Drank heavily about 73 hrs ago - will I pass the EtG test?

I will know no later than Friday if I tested positive.

First, your basic metabolic rate is of far less concern than your genetic endowment for specific liver enzymes. That is where most of alcohol metabolism occurs.

Second, most research indicates that EtG is not cumulative. That means that the timing for elimination for your drinking on Thurs would begin on BAC=0 from that session and then the same for each successive drink. I'm beginning to question that elimination theory. (Sarkola)

Those that have drank heavily on successive days are the one's most apt to test positive at the higher range. That observation may be skewed as all these tests were conducted on Detox patients. There may be other factors at play.

It is also apparent at your weight and size that you would have still been toxic after 5 hours between drinking sessions. Not a good sign. Also makes it very difficult to calculate BAC at time of last drink. But I suspect your clearance time from BAC=0, during which time you are still creating EtG, was probably in the range of 60-65 hours rather than 73.

Your drinking pattern is worrisome. Excessive drinking leading to drinking on arising (in morning) followed by yet more drinking. That type of harmful drinking is exactly what the EtG test is supposed to detect. Usually it does not.

It is more likely than not that your drinking will not be detected this time but it's about 55/45. However, if some intervention doesn't occur to address your excessive drinking, and you control that, passing the test may be more of a curse than a blessing.

Ref.
Sarkola, 2003

I completely agree with you. I became more aggressive with my AA meetings this weekend, and will continue to be aggressive with my treatment program. I recognize this drinking pattern as very problematic, and I am not hoping that my UA will come back negative so that I know what I can get away with in the future. I am just so highly disappointed in myself for succumbing to my triggers and cravings, and I really don't want to screw my good name up with the courts at this point, as it has taken me a year earn that respect.

Needless to say, I respect your input, and regard your opinions of my personal behavoir highly.

I hate to ask you to clarify, but you said more than likely my drinking will not be detected. So what kind of chance do you think I have of passing? Very good? Iffy?

I should know no later than thursday, and I will update. Thank you

As noted above, the odds are probably slightly in your favor, about 55%. That has all to do with the deficiencies of the test as opposed to your drinking pattern.

The test simply does not perform as represented and that is due to the lack of research in relation to the actual capabilities of the test in relation to alcohol consumed.

Following is a link to an earlier post by a lady that drank far more and in a shorter period of time and with less time to test. As you will note, I didn't believe she would pass....she did.

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/addicti...-619164-2.html

I have no confidence in EtG testing. I feel it is widely misrepresented leading to undue confidence in the results. Yet it seems the test is even less effective than even I predict.

Here is another link that fits closely to your case except the individual is physically larger

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/medical...-a-622383.html

Once again based on the claims of the test, this individual should never have passed. By reported studies he should not have passed.

So the majority of the information on this test, even that appearing in peer reviewed journals, tends to exaggerate. With reliance on those published studies I am proved wrong in many cases where I predict detection.

On another note, how do you like AA? What type of group do you prefer?

NOTICE: Any person or entity that is subjected to or relies on EtG testing should read this Advisory issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services, September 2006 and remains in effect as of date of this posting. Copy available here > US DHHS Advisory

I don't really care for AA groups that much, honestly, but I do attend them. My family and friends are a major support, and those are the people I know that I have let down in a major way this time, and that breaks my heart. And the guilt of lying to my probation officer has made me physically ill, and consumed my every thought for the past week. So much in fact, that losing her trust and respect is the only real punishment I am afraid of, more so than any jail time that I may be sentenced.

I acknowledge that drinking has no place in my life, as my relationship with alcohol soured years ago. I despise the fact that it will be an on-going process for the rest of my life, and that it is thrown in my face every where I turn. Like a bad divorce that I can't just leave in the past. The only saving grace in that matter is that my life is truly better without that substance, in all facets.

My days have been brighter since I began soughting out sobriety a year ago, whether mandated or not. My problem was deep-rooted, and the manner in which I posed my question to you accurately describes my behavior for many, many years before I decided to put the bottle down last April 3rd.

Progress, not perfection, I suppose.

It sounds as though you have a clear idea of the problem. Most importantly that drinking is a problem for you. That is the main obstacle to recovery. Recognition and desire. You have the keys.

The fact that you lapsed isn't unusual. Of those that receive professional treatment 93% have at least one lapse. Yet most of those do not relapse (or return to their old drinking pattern). So this was a bump in the road. To be expected. Disappointing but not defeating.

The reason I inquired about AA was because it is often blindly used as a resource for courts and treatment facilities. While you may be mandated to attend AA that does not limit your ability to seek out other programs that may be better suited to your personal needs.

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) (note plurality) fall along a very long and diverse spectrum. AUDs are not amenable to a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one may be counter-productive for another.

Most other programs (like AA) are free. Some make a more specific approach, such as Women For Sobriety, addressing the specific problems of the female. SMART Recovery is another for men and women that has garnered widespread acceptance. SMART offers a more flexible and scientifically oriented approach. There are many others.

If interested, we could work toward aligning you with some other resources. From there you could explore on your own. Many of the resources can be reviewed on line allowing you to at least look at their basic approach.

So don't even think about giving up on your pursuit of sobriety. Since I entered the field 40 years ago many things have changed. Today we recognize the need for a more diverse interpretation and response to AUDs. If AA isn't working for you then there is another approach that will. Of course AA is the answer for some....I don't mean to diminish that point.

All you need do is ask and we will provide any referral information available.

I did pass. But that in no way eases the anguish from the stress I went through, and that I put my family through. To anyone reading this post, and the whole conversation: IT'S NOT WORTH IT!!! PICK UP A PHONE AND ASK FOR HELP! DO NOT PICK UP A DRINK!

Again, thank you Dr. Bill. You are like a voice of reason in what was a very muddled mind. Much appreciated

Hope you view this as an opportunity rather than a victory. Your drinking wasn't detected because the EtG test is flawed, misrepresented and misunderstood. That in no way bears on the underlying problem.

You now have the chance to address an apparent problem. Please do so.

Keep in mind that the fear and apprehension you experienced subsides in short order while the desire to drink does not. Act now to recognize and control that tendency.

If I/we can be of further assistance to that end just ask.

Thanks for reporting your results.

Azula, you are so bright and eloquent. I nearly sobbed reading this thread so thanks for your posts. Tell us how you are doing these days. You seem to have a lot to offer.