Ask Me Help Desk - Possible EtG test 60 hours from last consumption

Dr. Bill:

I'm court mandated not to consume alcohol, and for the most part, I've been very successful, however I had a pretty sizable slip up last night and need advice on my chances of failing a potential EtG test this week (unlikely, but possible).

The situation is that I had three pretty strong frozen margaritas at a Mexican restaurant last night (Monday) from 8:30 - 10 p.m. Then drank 24 ozs. Of beer from 10 - midnight.

The test would be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, which would be approximately 60 hours from last consumption. I'm female, 210 lbs. 5' 10" with a pretty high tolerance for alcohol and a long history of drinking.

I passed my last one having drank about the same amount, but within 72 hours. I anticipated being able to reschedule my appt. but am unable to so I have the possibility of being tested.

What are my odds and what can I do between now and then to help facilitate the process of elimination?

Thank you for being so helpful to others in my situation and without judgement! Addictions are very difficult to overcome, but I have quit before for nearly two years, but with recent significant stressful life events, I have found myself returning to this old behavior. Back to AA!!

You had about 5 standard drinks (US) Probably no more. Would think you should be clear at 60 hours but with EtG you can never be sure. That is based to a degree on your history of drinking and probable accelerated alcohol metabolism.

You mentioned a 2 year period of not drinking. What do you attribute that to? What do you think of AA?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBill100

You had about 5 standard drinks (US) Probably no more. Would think you should be clear at 60 hours but with EtG you can never be sure. That is based to a degree on your history of drinking and probable accelerated alcohol metabolism.

You mentioned a 2 year period of not drinking. What do you attribute that to? What do you think of AA?

Thanks for your swift response! To answer your questions, I did a voluntary 30-day residential rehab due to excessive drinking/depression following a painful break-up of a longterm relationship. I did the suggested 90 meetings in 90 days, but fell off soon after. I loved AA, but eventually stopped going. All was well (really well! ) for 18 months and then a slip came out of no where, although it was four months after being laid off from my job of many years. I didn't become fully engaged in my everyday (really only nights) drinking routine for another two months, but it was back. Three months later I got a DWI! It was a huge wake up call and I've had a few 30+ days of sobriety since then, but keep relapsing. I have the same love/hate relationship with AA that I have with drinking it seems. But I know I can beat it!! Wish me luck!

I hear some ambivalence about AA. Nonetheless, if you feel you benefitted, 18 months is a good stretch, that is the place to pick up.

Here is another resource, specifically for women, that might be worth checking into. But whether AA or another program it's important to keep trying. Lapses are worrisome and frustrating but an integral part of drinking disorders.

Women for Sobriety (WFS). A non-profit organization dedicated to helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions. Founded in 1976 it is the first national self-help program for women alcoholics. Male and Female alcoholism follows a very different trajectory, age of onset, development sequence. The program is also explained here, maybe a little better than their own site >LINK to Wiki

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBill100

I hear some ambivalence about AA. Nonetheless, if you feel you benefitted, 18 months is a good stretch, that is the place to pick up.

Here is another resource, specifically for women, that might be worth checking into. But whether AA or another program it's important to keep trying. Lapses are worrisome and frustrating but an integral part of drinking disorders.

Women for Sobriety (WFS). A non-profit organization dedicated to helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions. Founded in 1976 it is the first national self-help program for women alcoholics. Male and Female alcoholism follows a very different trajectory, age of onset, development sequence. The program is also explained here, maybe a little better than their own site >LINK to Wiki

Thanks again. I checked them out on both sites and at quick glance it looks very similar to AA, but I'll look into it more thoroughly. Nothing works for everyone but there is something magical about AA once you accept the part of it that resonates with you and get to a place of non-judgement about those aspects that don't. The challenge is staying there ;)

You hit the mark. Nothing works for everyone. It's sounds like AA might be a good fit. So get back there!

Let us know how the test turns out and keep in touch about your progress in working through this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBill100

You hit the mark. Nothing works for everyone. It's sounds like AA might be a good fit. So get back there!

Let us know how the test turns out and keep in touch about your progress in working through this.

No UA - yay! Won't push it any more. Not worth it! Thanks Dr. Bill ;)