[canecarrie]

Dr. Bill, I made the huge mistake of drinking about 2 bottles of wine Friday night, ending about 9 pm (passing out). I drank about 2 bottles Thursday night was well. If I get testing EtG Tuesday afternoon, what are my chances of passing? Female, 5'2", about 115lbs. Bad slip after about 4 years recovery, so likely good metabolism. Drinking tons of water. Not called, but just in case, horrible error, what would be chances you think?

[DrBill100]

Somehow I missed this when posted. My apologies.

Overall the chances of passing the test are in your favor.

A standard bottle of wine (750 ml) contains 5+ standard drinks (5 oz. ea @ 12% ABV). Total you consumed close to 11 standard drinks (US).

Based on your description I assume you consumed the wine in a short period (figured 3 hr) resulting in a BAC of .27-.30 (app). That would require between 12-17 hours for the elimination of ethanol. During that period EtG is being created and eliminated.

Worst case, you should have 72 hours to eliminate the EtG. (from time of 0-BAC) That will in most cases be enough time. But it is a close call.

This information is based on average elimination times for EtOH and EtG each depending on averages for metabolism. Assumes female under 30, hx of past drinking.

In relation to your slip or lapse, it's not unusual. Now, in your favor, you have a history of sobriety that you can call upon. The fact that you are concerned at this point is a good indicator. You can learn from this experience.

This experience does not erase your 4 years of sobriety. If you are judging success on days sober then you took 1460 steps forward and 2 steps back. Don't let anyone take that away from you.

Wish you the best.

[canecarrie]

Thanks so much Dr. Bill.

I am hoping that drinking a lot of extra water these past few days, following attempts to raise my metabolism, will help remove some of this a little faster, but don't know if that's the case (?).

I appreciate the words of encouragement as well. It is a little difficult after so much progress not to be hard on oneself for such a pointless error in judgment - and very stressful, having me now imagine this might be the one time I may be called to answer for it. And hence my hopes to take any small extra steps toward avoiding further anxiety or regress (personally - not in my program).

To this point, I have similarly turned to my program for support in moving forward.

Thanks again.

[DrBill100]

Thanks so much Dr. Bill.

I am hoping that drinking a lot of extra water these past few days, following attempts to raise my metabolism, will help remove some of this a little faster, but don't know if that's the case (?).

I appreciate the words of encouragement as well. It is a little difficult after so much progress not to be hard on oneself for such a pointless error in judgment - and very stressful, having me now imagine this might be the one time I may be called to answer for it. And hence my hopes to take any small extra steps toward avoiding further anxiety or regress (personally - not in my program).

To this point, I have similarly turned to my program for support in moving forward.

Thanks again.

Drinking water certainly helps. EtG is water soluble. Just one of the many absurd aspects of this useless test.

What do you mean by your program.

If drinking was causing problems for you then think in the terms of the problems avoided in four years... not in the terms of a lost external ideology... being total abstinence forever! If you are seeking long-term sobriety you will achieve it. 2 steps back because you lost your balance? If you were my patient I would be focusing on your accomplishments.

Maybe some programs consider this a washout and require a return to square one to begin the journey anew. That is unrealistic, unfair and unscientific. We know better.

You must remember that progress seldom comes unimpeded. We all experience setbacks involving all sorts of personal objectives. Yours was minor, very common and should be expected. That is not the equivalent of failure.

It is exactly as I outlined previously, your score is 1460 to 2. Pick up where you left off.

[cheeseface]

If I drank the following 77 hours ago will I pass an EtG test? I am 115 lbs and 5"2 female.
Friday: 2 bottles of wine
Saturday: one bottle of wine and 8 beers...
Sunday: one bottle of wine and an additional glass