Dear Dr. Bill,
I'm worried about being tested for EtG tomorrow. I had 12 beers over a 12 hour period, drinking about one per hour. When I have my test, it will have been 60 hours since my last drink. I'm female, 148 lb, 5'8", though I'm not sure if that matters. I'm in an outpatient program and I'm supposed to be abstinent. I have no idea what EtG cutoff they'll use. Though I slipped up the other day and made a terrible decision, I'm going to remain abstinent for the duration of my program. I realize now how critical it is that I take my program seriously and follow the rules. I just wish I'd had this revelation sooner. I'm so afraid that it's too late.
I am planning to drink a lot of water a few hours before the test and take creatine as well as test my creatine level with MediStrips or something similar. What do you think of my chances of passing the test without the water loading? Also, would I have to drink water only, or would tea or broth have the same diluting effect?
One last thing, I take adderrall, lexapro, and neurontin by prescription. Would those effect my metabolism?
Thank you for you help.

That is far too close to predict. 12 drinks, one per hour, keeps your BAC low but nonetheless creates EtG. Clearance time would be in range of 60-80 hours.

What occurs if your drinking is detected? Most therapeutic out patient treatment should be completely prepared to deal constructively with this.

I'm not sure if I'll be dismissed from the program with just one positive test, but my PTI officer could throw me out of PTI. If that happens and I go to court and lose, then I would never be able to get a job in my field, which is mental health. I will let you know what happens. There is a chance that I won't be tested today since the tests are random and I was just tested one week ago. Any other thoughts? Thank you.

Not particularly. The sure thing is if you aren't tested. Second the test is very erratic and falls off drastically at about 48 hours so very many people get a false negative beyond that point regardless of consumption. Of course, you can't count on that but there is a high probability of passing even though the detection period must be considered beyond that point.

I deal extensively with government agencies where acronyms are abundant. What is PTI.

PTI is pre-trial intervention.

PTI is pre-trial intervention.

Another factor that should be mentioned is that EtG eliminates along the same lines as ethanol. It is created as EtOH is metabolized. Therefore, EtG begins the elimination process as you finish one drink continues just as you metabolize. So the slow paced consumption that you note accrues to your benefit.

If you lose PTI, you will follow the guidelines outlined in the paperwork,
Often to enter PTI you may have done 1. guilty plea with suspended sentence pending outcome of program. 2. will go to trial with failure of program

I have to ask, if your job and your life is so important, do you have a drinking problem ? Why can't you just stop. Drinking 12 drinks is not having one with friends being social, it is a problem.

Why not help yourself, admit a problem and get into a program to get you sober

If you lose PTI, you will follow the guidelines outlined in the paperwork,
Often to enter PTI you may have done 1. guilty plea with suspended sentence pending outcome of program. 2. will go to trial with failure of program

I have to ask, if your job and your life is so important, do you have a drinking problem ? why can't you just stop. Drinking 12 drinks is not having one with friends being social, it is a problem.

Why not help yourself, admit a problem and get into a program to get you sober

I never acknowledge secondary interpretations of questions presented but in this instance an echo is required.

Please consider the view presented by Fr_Chuck.

I'm sure either of us would be available to assist with advice or information.

Slightly off topic, but your situation could very well HELP you in your goal to be in mental health should you get sober and stay sober.

Some of the best addiction counselors were once active addicts.