I get random drug tests for treatment in lieu of a conviction for prescription fraud. Yesterday I asked... could I have a drink of wine on occasion, if it there is no restriction of alcohol in my terms and conditions. I went for my random drug test and found out they test for ethanol... is that standard? I know it takes only 8 to 24 hours before it is completely out of my body so I'm not really worried that I would test positive... plus I never drank anyway. But I don't understand if I am not prohibited from consuming alcohol, why do they test me for it? Any thoughts?

Tessy,
When they do drug or alcohol testing they are testing for the chemicals or ingrediants that are in those products. Some liquiors have ethanol in them in large quanities, so you will test positive. For example certain foods will test positive also, for example:any food with poppy seeds, some chocolates, breath sprays or mints. The burden is on you to check what you drink or eat because it's not the probations job or responsibility to worry about it. Just check with them on what foods if you eat certain ones and what liquior. And Good Luck

Maybe I wasn't clear, my probation terms and conditions do not state that I can't consume alcohol... I was wondering why they would test me for ethanol if I can have alcohol. The terms and conditions clearly state I can't have drugs so I understand why they are testing me for those...

Tessy