The breathtaking truth about breath alcohol readings of zero. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Verster, Joris C; Mackus, Marlou; van de Loo, Aurora JAE; Garssen, Johan; Scholey, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 70(2017)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Alcohol -- Ethanol -- Hangover -- Blood -- Urine -- Breath; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.01.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: It has been postulated that the hangover state starts when breath alcohol concentration is zero. Methods: Data from 2 studies that assessed ethanol in breath, blood and urine were compared. Results: The data revealed that ethanol may still be present in the blood and urine during the hangover state, despite breath analyser readings of zero. Discussion: As ethanol is still present in the body despite zero breath alcohol readings, the current consensus to postpone cognitive testing in hangover studies until breath alcohol concentration is zero should be reconsidered. Highlights: It has been postulated that the hangover state starts when breath alcohol concentration is zero. Ethanol may still be present in the blood and urine during the hangover state, despite breath analyser readings of zero. The consensus to postpone cognitive testing in hangover studies until breath alcohol levels are zero should be reconsidered.