In the News

Alcohol cessation programs often require participants to stay off the booze entirely. This may be voluntary or required by a court order, but the task of watching for slip-ups can be both difficult and counter-productive. Under court mandated cessation, typically randomly assigned visits are required of offenders, but people tend to take risks knowing that there’s only a small chance that a test will be required. Moreover, the burden of testing can be substantial if the testing center is far from home and frequent visits are required.

We received a new device to review called SL2 from Soberlink, a company out of Cypress, California, that makes it easy to regularly screen people for alcohol use. We spent a couple weeks checking it out and pretending to quit while having limited self control. It was certainly an interesting experience that opened our eyes to the difficult reality of alcohol cessation programs and how technology can help overcome many of these challenges.

At its core the SL2 is a breathalyzer with a built in camera that is intended to be used on a regular basis to confirm sobriety throughout each day. A schedule is typically set by a therapist or parole officer and the user has to follow it strictly to stay in compliance. We had a three times daily regimen to follow, which included morning, afternoon, and night tests. To make sure that the user doesn’t forget, the system sends out reminder text messages 15 minutes prior to a scheduled test and then follow up warnings if a test is not performed.

PAM LOUWAGIE

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Former Crow Wing County educator Jody Crowe grew tired of seeing fetal alcohol-related behavioral and learning problems in children around the state.

Crowe is now leading efforts to combat it in a new way: putting cellular technology-based Breathalyzers in the hands of pregnant, alcohol-involved teens and giving them incentives to stay booze-free.

He and others in the nonprofit organization he helped found, Healthy Brains for Children, are launching the program with leaders in Crow Wing County.

“I saw so much loss of potential from prenatal exposure to alcohol,” Crowe said. “We have to get to the point of preventing it from happening to the next generation. This is one of the strategies.”

JOHN LAURITSEN

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A new program is providing rewards for teenagers who stay alcohol-free during pregnancy. An organization called Healthy Brains for Children is heading the effort.

Expecting teenagers are given a cell phone as an incentive but also a Breathalyzer that they will be required to blow into during the day.

“I guess it’s leading edge as far as prevention, and we are doing something,” said board member, Anne Archibald. “It’s proactive.”

The name on the side of the Breathalyzer says it all. “My Baby’s Breath” ensures that expecting teenage moms know exactly what’s at stake.

CURTIS JOHNSON

HUNTINGTON — Court officials hope a hand-held alcohol monitoring device provides the alternative needed to curb drunken driving and reduce jail costs in Cabell County.

The Sheriff’s Alternative Sentencing Division started using the new technology in late August. It replaces the typical ankle bracelet with a hand-held Breathalyzer. The device, known as SOBERLINK, comes equipped with cell and GPS technology to transmit instantaneous test results and a photograph to verify who provided the sample.

Sam Stowasser, the county’s director of alternative sentencing, called SOBERLINK the most advanced and effective alcohol monitoring device on the market. He and a colleague tested it for seven days and found it to be reliable.

“I believe this device is a breakthrough in technology and rehabilitation for community corrections,” he said.