Alcohol Breathalyzer Research Articles

Analysis on topological alterations of functional brain networks after acute alcohol intake using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory.

AimsAlcohol consumption could lead to a series of health problems and social issues. In the current study, we investigated the resting-state functional brain networks of healthy volunteers before and after drinking through graph-theory analysis, aiming to ascertain the effects of acute alcohol intake on topology and information processing mode of the functional brain networks.Materials and methodsThirty-three healthy volunteers were enrolled in this experiment. Each volunteer accepted alcohol breathalyzer tests followed by resting-state magnetic resonance imaging at three time points: before drinking, 0.5 h after drinking, and 1 h after drinking. The data obtained were grouped based on scanning time into control group, 0.5-h group and 1-h group, and post-drinking data were regrouped according to breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) into relative low BrAC group (A group; 0.5-h data, n = 17; 1-h data, n = 16) and relative high BrAC group (B group; 0.5-h data, n = 16; 1-h data, n = 17). The graph-theory approach was adopted to construct whole-brain functional networks and identify the differences of network topological properties among all the groups.ResultsThe network topology of most groups was altered after drinking, with the B group presenting the most alterations. For global network measures, B group exhibited increased global efficiency, Synchronization, and decreased local efficiency, clustering coefficient, normalized clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, normalized characteristic path length, as compared to control group. Regarding nodal network measures, nodal clustering coefficient and nodal local efficiency of some nodes were lower in B group than control group. These changes suggested that the network integration ability and synchrony improved, while the segregation ability diminished.ConclusionThis study revealed the effects of acute alcohol intake on the topology and information processing mode of resting-state functional brain networks, providing new perceptions and insights into the effects of alcohol on the brain.

Exploring the relevancy of random and scheduled alcohol breathalyser testing in high-risk jobs within safety-sensitive work settings

Orientation: Workplace testing is seen as a viable method in monitoring alcohol intoxication in the workplace. This article explored lived experiences of random and scheduled alcohol breathalyser testing to gain insights into meaning and understanding of the phenomenon under study.Research purpose: Random and scheduled testing are preferred techniques of assessing intoxication in the workplace. This article set to gain insights into whether behaviour can have an influence on the effectiveness of random and scheduled testing. The information can contribute to the ongoing debate on the efficacy of workplace testing and lays groundwork for future studies.Motivation for the study: Emergent data seem to suggest that the success of workplace testing in preventing alcohol and substance use in the workplace is indecisive.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative method was employed to collect data from eight alcohol-consuming individuals who performed jobs considered safety-sensitive through semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed through the application of an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).Main findings: Findings revealed incidents of alcohol intoxication within the workplace in spite of random and scheduled testing in place. There seems to be a disregard for rules that prohibit intoxication in the workplace. Money bribes seem to enable cheating on testing in the workplace. Behaviour undercuts the goal of an alcohol-free workplace.Practical implications: Behaviour stemming from on-site intoxication and cheating on alcohol tests hinders on the goal of attaining an alcohol-free workplace.Contribution/value-add: The analysis of behaviour could contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of workplace testing.

Wokers’ awareness of alcohol breathalyser test in the workplace and their alcohol consumption patterns

Orientation: An alcohol breathalyser test is one of various methods of assessing alcohol consumption behaviour of workers in the workplace. Its awareness can yield insights on behavioural change of alcohol-consuming individuals in safety-sensitive settings when being aware of alcohol breathalyser testing.Research purpose: A breathalyser test provides an efficient means of measuring blood alcohol concentration within seconds of an employee blowing into the device. The purpose of this research was to examine awareness of breathalyser testing to capture meaning that can offer insights on behaviour under research.Motivation for research: The research was prompted by a quest to gain understanding of thought processes (motivation to control behaviour) when alcohol is involved. By focusing on awareness, it was possible to interpret behaviour. The research is a basis for future studies and can contribute to discussions related to alcohol testing in the workplace.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative approach was followed to gain insights into the topic under research. Eight alcohol-consuming individuals who performed jobs considered high-risk consented to participate in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The data were analysed through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).Main findings: The findings revealed excessive alcohol consumption and intoxication in spite of awareness of breathalyser testing. Individuals prone to external inducements were more likely to abuse alcohol. Behaviour therefore tends to be unstable and impulsive when alcohol is involved.Practical implications: Reporting for work after excessive drinking of alcohol is not an indication of total soberness. Individuals may physically be present in the workplace without making any contribution to work processes because of effects of alcohol.Contribution/value-add: The research highlights behavioural insights that can contribute to studies related to locus of control and control over alcohol in relation to testing to workplace testing.

Electrochemical Oxidation of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Simple Strategy for Marijuana Detection.

Recently, it has been estimated that nearly 200 million people use marijuana with growing usage being attributed to the legalization and decriminalization of the drug around the world. A concerning implication of increased marijuana use is the alarming number of individuals who report driving under the influence of the drug, which has prompted the development of detection technologies. An electrochemical-based detection technology, akin to how the alcohol breathalyzer functions, would provide an attractive solution to this growing societal problem. The first step toward this goal is to develop a reaction that converts Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, to a derivative with diagnostic spectroscopic changes. We report the development of a mild electrochemical method for the oxidation of Δ9-THC to its corresponding p-quinone isomer. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the resultant quinone show a dramatic shift in comparison to Δ9-THC. This simple protocol provides the foundation for the development of an electrochemical-based marijuana breathalyzer.

Pilot Study of an Integrated Smartphone and Breathalyzer Contingency Management Intervention for Alcohol Use.

Monitoring devices provide a platform for assessing alcohol use and implementing alcohol interventions. This pilot study focused on assessing the early-stage feasibility and usability of a smartphone-based application and breathalyzer used in a contingency management intervention for alcohol use. Six nontreatment-seeking participants completed a 9-week ABA within-subjects designed intervention targeting alcohol use. Participants submitted 2 to 8 alcohol breathalyzer samples per day and completed self-report drinking measures and usability assessments. During the A phases (weeks 1-3 and 8-9), participants received reinforces for submitting breathalyzer samples, regardless of their results. During the contingency management, B phase (weeks 4-7), and received reinforcers only when negative breathalyzer samples were submitted. Usability assessment of the application was also conducted during weeks 2 and 9. Participants in the contingent B phase (49%) were more likely to submit alcohol-negative breathalyzer samples compared with the noncontingent A phases (27%; P < 0.001). Usability assessment of the application varied, and participants noted several technical concerns. The use of smartphones and breathalyzers may be a practical solution to extend the reach of contingency management during and after treatment.

Methods to reduce false reporting of substance abstinence in clinical research

Substance use may influence study results in human subjects research. This study aims to report the concordance between self-report and biochemical assessments of substance use and test the effect of methods to reduce false reports of abstinence in trauma-exposed women participating in a research study. In this pilot study, substance use was assessed during telephone prescreening and via self-report and biochemical verification (i.e., urine toxicology and alcohol breathalyzer tests) at an in-person evaluation. Due to the high number of participants who tested positive for substances despite self-reporting abstinence during prescreening, study procedures were modified to disincentivize false self-reports of substance use two thirds of the way through recruitment. New potential participants were explicitly informed during prescreening and informed consent that a positive drug or alcohol test during screening would result in exclusion from the study and withholding of payment. Prior to modifying study methods, 20% of participants who had reported abstinence during the telephone prescreen had a positive substance use test at the in-person visit. Modifying study procedures resulted in an 81% decrease in positive substance use assessments. Adoption of this methodology may decrease inadvertent confounding of clinical research outcomes by undetected and/or misreported substance use.

Neonatal ethanol exposure from ethanol-based hand sanitisers in isolettes

ObjectiveThe aims of this study is to measure the ethanol vapours in the isolette after use of hands cleaned with ethanol-based hand sanitiser (EBHS).MethodsTwo squirts (1.5 mL) of hand sanitiser...

The Performance of Alcohol Markers Including Ethyl Glucuronide and Ethyl Sulphate to Detect Alcohol Use in Clients in a Community Alcohol Treatment Programme.

The ethanol metabolites ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulphate (EtS) are detectable for longer in urine than breath ethanol or urine ethanol after alcohol intake. This study compared the performance of breath ethanol, urine ethanol, urine EtG and EtS to detect alcohol consumption in clients in community alcohol treatment. Clients attending the community alcohol treatment programme were asked to provide an alcohol diary, breathalyser test and urine for ethanol, EtG and EtS measurement (n=42). Positive results were defined using the detection limits (breath ethanol and urine ethanol) or clinical cut-offs (EtG: 0.26 mg/L and EtS: 0.22 mg/L). The sensitivities and specificities of each marker to detect alcohol intake <24 and 48-72 h prior were calculated. The sensitivities of each alcohol marker to detect alcohol intake <24 h prior were 57, 71, 100 and 100% for breath ethanol, urine ethanol, urine EtG and urine EtS, respectively. The specificity was 100% for urine ethanol and urine EtS. The EtG specificity could be increased to 100% by using a higher cut-off (0.50 mg/L). The sensitivity of all markers (including EtG and EtS) to detect alcohol intake of ≤10 units 48-72 h earlier decreased to 0%. In community alcohol treatment clients, urine EtG and EtS showed the optimum diagnostic performance to detect alcohol intake in the previous 24 h. We propose a flowchart to routinely use EtG and EtS for clients in community alcohol treatment. The ability of breath ethanol, urine ethanol, urine EtG and urine EtS to detect continued alcohol consumption in clients in community alcohol treatment were compared. Urine EtG and EtS showed the optimum diagnostic performance and we propose a flowchart to routinely use EtG and EtS in community alcohol treatment.

Diagnostic accuracy study of three alcohol breathalysers marketed for sale to the public

ObjectivesTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of three personal breathalyser devices available for sale to the public marketed to test safety to drive after drinking alcohol.DesignProspective comparative diagnostic accuracy study comparing...

Effect of the Alcohol Misconduct Prevention Program (AMPP) in Air Force Technical Training

Alcohol use in the U.S. military is prevalent and associated with alcohol-related incidents (ARIs), an official U.S. Air Force sanction. Military ARIs incur substantial personal and financial costs. We evaluated the impact of the Alcohol Misconduct Prevention Program (AMPP) consisting of a group-based brief alcohol intervention (BAI) conducted jointly with random alcohol breathalyzer testing on ARIs in the U.S. Air Force. A 1-hour, group-based, interactive BAI was conducted, and random alcohol breathalyzer testing was performed among 10,087 Air Force Technical Trainees at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. The AMPP was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of an ARI over the year of the intervention compared to the previous year (odds ratio 0.555; 95% confidence interval 0.380-0.811; p = 0.0023). Significant reductions in the number of ARIs were observed within all quarters except for the third. The average rate of ARIs per 1,000 trainees per quarter was 7.30 before implementation of the interventions and 4.06 after implementation. An AMPP consisting of an interactive BAI and random alcohol breathalyzer testing may decrease ARIs among military trainees.

Encephalopathy in a 45-year-old woman: presented at the Advanced Clinical Neurology Course, Edinburgh 2010

A 45-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department by the police. She had been stopped for driving erratically and noted to be confused; an alcohol breathalyser test was negative....

Why is Disulfiram Superior to Acamprosate in the Routine Clinical Setting? A Retrospective Long-Term Study in 353 Alcohol-Dependent Patients

To compare the long-term effectiveness of acamprosate (ACP) and disulfiram (DSF) in the treatment of alcohol dependence and their effectiveness in regard to patient characteristics, within a naturalistic outpatient treatment setting. Retrospective data from 2002 to 2007 were analysed on 353 alcohol-dependent subjects in outpatient treatment, who, according to the patient's and the clinician's mutual decision, received either supervised DSF (with thrice-weekly appointments) or ACP (once-weekly appointments) following an inpatient alcohol detoxification treatment. Abstinence was assessed by alcohol breathalyzer, patients' self-report, urine and serum analyses, and overall physicians' rating. Baseline data in terms of current addictive behaviour and course of disease differed between groups to the disadvantage of the DSF group; compared to the ACP group, subjects treated with DSF showed a longer duration of alcohol dependence, higher amounts of daily alcohol consumption and more alcohol detoxification treatments in their history. In follow-up, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significant differences between groups in the primary and secondary measures of outcome (P always <0.01). Time elapsed before the first alcohol relapse as well as attendance to outpatient treatment and cumulative alcohol abstinence achieved within outpatient treatment was explicitly longer in the DSF group. A longer duration of alcohol dependence predicted a favourable treatment outcome in the DSF group, while for the ACP group the chances for a successful treatment increased with shorter duration of alcohol dependence. This study supports the thesis that supervised DSF is an important component of alcoholism treatment, and it appears to be more effective than the treatment with ACP particularly in patients with a long duration of alcohol dependence.

Identifying Alcohol Problems Among Methadone Maintenance Patients

Abstract Alcohol consumption and patterns of use were examined in a cohort of 108 patients in methadone maintenance treatment in South London. Measures of alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, liver dysfunction and blood alcohol levels were taken. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of alcohol problems among methadone maintenance patients and to consider resource implications in assessing and monitoring these problems. Although 42% had been abstinent from alcohol for the previous month, mean alcohol consumption among drinkers was 33.5 units of alcohol in the last week, with 25 patients (23%) drinking at levels that may be regarded as dangerous (more than 50 standard units of alcohol per week). Positive correlations were found between self-reported measures of alcohol use, severity of alcohol dependence and breathalyser scores. Associations between self-report alcohol measures and physiological indices of liver dysfunction were positive but weak. A minority of methadone maintenance patie...