I am in recovery from alcoholism but slipped a few weeks ago. Prior to this episode of drinking, I had four months of continuous absolute sobriety.

I drank on (5) occasions over about a two-week period and I estimate I consumed a Grand Total of approximately 550 grams of alcohol. (This was spread over a two-night spree consuming about 200 grams, 4 days off, another two-night spree consuming about 200 grams, another 6 days off, and ending with a one-night spree consuming about 150 grams. I calculated this based on the number of drinks I had consumed times the average-sized US drink equivalent of 14 grams per serving.)

Three weeks and one day after my last drink, I submitted to a Peth test as part of my recovery monitoring. I feel pretty safe, but I am a little concerned whether I will pass it. Besides having three weeks of complete abstinence prior to the Peth test, it had been five total weeks since I had begun that period of drinking.

Oh, per the recent posting from DrBill100, the lab doing the testing is USDTL if anyone wonders what testing parameters or methodology is used. And the desk done was a blood spot test (finger-prick and collected drops on sampling card.)

From what I have read on the web, it appears the likely "window" for positive Peth testing is anywhere from 2-4 weeks with an average of 3 weeks. One study I read showed that "chronic alcoholics" had positive results after 14 days of abstinence.

Compared to where I was in alcoholism a few years ago, I certainly wouldn't characterize the drinking spree I just did as "chronic" although it was definitely "heavy" at times (up to 11 drinks at one sitting but sometimes as little as 4.) But I also took 4 days and then 6 days off in the middle of it which seems it would have allowed my body to process the alcohol more effectively than someone who drank daily over the two-week period. Right? Does anyone know?

I also realize that if I had done the last binge (single day of 11 drinks) by itself, it likely would have shown up as long as 14 days later but not very likely for longer. The reason I am concerned is because I had the two previous weeks where I had drank so I know my Peth levels did not start at ZERO on the last day of my drinking.

For metabolic calculations, I am a 48 year-old male, 5'10" tall, and about 180 lbs. However, my metabolism has been working harder the past few weeks since I was coincidentally trying to lose some weight and have lost about 1 1/2 lbs average per week over the past month. Will the increased metabolism help me to have burned off the alcohol and residual Peth more quickly?

Please, no lectures on just "putting the plug in the jug". I am trying to comply with my program but quitting isn't easy and especially if you are in a strict monitoring program which is pushing you to be totally abstinent. I am a willing but very reluctant participant. Also, if you are concerned about aiding-and-abetting me in my addiction, don't worry. I have no plans to further try to "game" the system and am recommitting to working a good program regardless of the outcome of this test. I just would like some reassurance that I don't have to freak out while I am waiting to learn the results.

***** UPDATE *****

For those of you who might read my question and be in a similar situation, I got the results of my test. Based on the pattern of drinking I described, many websites would lead you to believe that a Peth test is only valid for two, maybe up to three weeks after significant drinking. However, my test came back --- POSITIVE --- even though:

(1) it had been 22 days since my last drink.

(2) I did not drink more than 2 days in each 7-day period over about 2 weeks of drinking.

(3) I did not drink more than 14 total drinks in any one-week period, sometimes less.

I was not given the lab results of my test. I was just told it was "positive" so I don't know if I came close to passing it or if it was still significantly above the cut-off level.

Lesson learned... if you are being monitored for abstinence, just don't drink. I will have consequences to pay for this.

Did you ever get more information on this? I drank a pint of vodka, then 10 days later had a single shot of vodka, then 7 days after that I had a double shot of vodka. It has been 11 days of no drinking. From your investigations could I pass? To recap, its been 30 days since I drank the pint and I was sober before that for some time. 18 days since the single shot of vodka and 10 days since the double.

Now do you want to really hear something "Crazy" - I have not drank since June of 2012, I too am monitored and have came up with a positive Peth test... I did not drink and have consiquences!! These tests just are not reliable! Good luck to all - they can take my license but not my sobriety.

I too had PEth numbers in a work related monitor program. They were very low numbers I'm told 10.9. But I have not had a drink in years. Any idea were these numbers could have come from? Thank you

[QUOTE=buddy1968;3458061]I too had PEth numbers in a work related monitor program. They were very low numbers I'm told 10.9. But I have not had a drink in years. Any idea were these numbers could have come from? Thank you

I am surprised they called you on a 10.9?

From what I understand the Dept of Transportation uses 100 for a cut off. My monitoring group uses 20. I was at 60. Iam in Health Care.

Regardless, I know what your stress level is. I have lost my Health Care job. I have spent 1000 dollars for additional testing/evals etc etc... my license to practice is on hold 2 months now. Plus the monies I have lost due to not working!!

All you can do is try to accept and move on. I made myself crazy!!

I have since calmed down a bit and try to hold on to, that there is a reason for this and something better waiting!

May 4 - 11 months no alcohol!!

Good luck to you, keep me posted if you ever find out why!

Update: which I hate to share my good news when people are suffering due to the inconsistencies of this test, but I passed!

Thank you for your fast reply, and wisdom. I didn't get in trouble for the low PEth numbers, My job uses 20 as well. My concern was were did those low numbers come from? Thanks again

That's Great! Wondering why you posted that here? Were you drinking?

I haven't had a drink in well over 3 years.Its just tough finding information on peth tests.It all seems so new .So much of the info is from the people who make the test .I believe they are less likely to admit to any test faults. Thanls again

Hi Buddy -

My question was for the lady prior sharing her news!

She isn't really explaining why she is negative on her Peth.

Just wondering, sounds like you and I are sober and testing Positive on the Peth and she is Negative and drinking on the test?

I too am wondering why I am positive and you are right, they are not talking bad about their test!!

Does anyone use hand sanitizer, cologne/perfume, cold medications, etc. There is alcohol in many every day products. You don't have to actually consume alcohol to test positive.

According to the "specialist" it is pure alcohol the Peth test tests for. They say the alcohol in household products would not spike the test, only drinking/ingesting alcohol!

Thank you - they do say those products effect a urine EtG though

I beg to differ. Hand sanitizer, for instance, can be turned into pure alcohol simply by adding salt. I have a patient who tests positive in this manner.

Interesting - I suggested that and in turn was told no!

That was from USDTLabs and my higher monitors, I tested at a 60.9, I also have a cleaning company and everything has alcohol in it! They are aware!

Have you presented these findings?

No. I have not presented these findings as it was not a study and would be a HIPAA violation.

Well, a lot of people don't follow up on test results. I posted that I had a test a couple months ago.. and wanted to follow up...

I also slipped. I am 50 and in a monitoring program that uses 20 as its benchmark. I was on a business trip and drank beer and vodka for about 7 days straight. When I got back it was 56 days or 8 weeks to the day that I was Peth tested. Has anyone heard of a positive result after 8 weeks?

Thank you

I have not heard of a positive test after 8 weeks and think it would be unlikely from my research and experience about Peth testing.

However, if you are under a monitoring program like I am that ties your abstinence to your career, why risk it? The fact that you are willing to risk getting caught is a clear warning sight of a problem, and I know that from personal experience.

Yes, I risked it and had to go back through residential treatment and reassess my AA program to determine what I needed to put my sobriety on more solid ground. There were definitely some gaping holes there that I had been ignoring. I've tried to take it as a blessing-in-disguise since it might have prevented a more serious consequence for me. However, you don't have to wait to get caught if you will seek help in getting back on track with your sobriety.

Good luck with your Peth test and your sobriety.

I am in a program that uses peth tests. Several people in our groups have tested positive at or just over the '20' cut off. I being one of them with over 2 yrs. Sober and others with much more. There were those that admitted to drinking. They had VERY high numbers in the high hundreds. Even my peer monitor had his initial doubts about our objections... until he failed the test himself. He has over 6 years without a drink! PS: USDTL Lab confirmed with my company that incidental contact with ethanol (antiseptic / inhaled ) WILL generate peth numbers. This from our own EAP - SAP