Understanding Mouth Alcohol and Breathalyzers
The notion that a can of energy drink could lead to a failed alcohol test seems unbelievable, yet there's a kernel of truth to it, stemming from a phenomenon known as 'mouth alcohol.' This occurs when trace amounts of alcohol from a beverage, mouthwash, or certain foods linger in the mouth and oral cavity. A portable breathalyzer (PBT) is designed to detect alcohol vapor, and it cannot distinguish between the alcohol in your deep lung air and residual alcohol present in your mouth. As a result, if a test is administered too quickly after consuming an energy drink, the PBT can register a false positive.
Research has shown that this is a real, albeit temporary, risk. A study tested 27 different energy drink brands and found that 88.9% contained low levels of ethanol. When volunteers consumed these drinks and were tested within one minute, over 40% of the beverages resulted in a positive reading on a portable device. However, all readings returned to zero when re-tested after a standard 15-minute waiting period, which allows the mouth alcohol to dissipate. This critical observation time is a standard procedure intended to prevent such inaccuracies.
Factors Contributing to Mouth Alcohol False Positives
Several common items can cause mouth alcohol to register on a breath test, including:
- Energy Drinks: As demonstrated by research, the trace ethanol content can temporarily raise readings.
- Mouthwash and Breath Sprays: Many of these products contain high concentrations of alcohol to kill germs and can significantly impact a breath test if used shortly before.
- Certain Foods: Fermented foods like some kombuchas, and items cooked with alcohol, such as vanilla extract or wine-based sauces, can leave behind trace amounts of alcohol.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can bring stomach contents, including alcohol vapor, back into the mouth and throat.
Portable vs. Evidential Breathalyzers
Not all breath-testing devices are created equal. The test that a police officer administers on the side of the road is typically a portable breathalyzer, which is less precise than the evidential breath test (EBT) conducted at the police station. The differences are critical to understanding why a false positive from an energy drink is a transient issue.
| Feature | Portable Breath Test (PBT) | Evidential Breath Test (EBT) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Often uses semiconductor or electrochemical fuel cell sensors. | Typically uses more sophisticated infrared spectroscopy or advanced fuel cell sensors. |
| Purpose | Used to establish probable cause for an arrest. | Used to gather admissible evidence for court. |
| Accuracy | Prone to interference from mouth alcohol and environmental factors. | Designed with built-in safeguards to detect and prevent errors from mouth alcohol. |
| Observation Period | A 15-minute observation period is supposed to occur before testing, but can be rushed. | Strict adherence to a 15-to-20-minute observation period is standard procedure. |
| Example of Use | Roadside screening by a law enforcement officer. | Confirmatory test at a police station. |
The Risks of Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol
While a non-alcoholic energy drink won't cause a systemic fail for alcohol, mixing energy drinks with alcoholic beverages carries a much more serious risk. The stimulating effect of caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading individuals to feel less impaired than they actually are. This can cause people to binge drink and misjudge their level of intoxication, potentially leading to poor decisions like driving under the influence. The caffeine does nothing to lower your actual blood alcohol concentration (BAC); only time can do that. Studies show that this combination is linked to a higher risk of accidents and dangerous behavior.
For a detailed scientific explanation of how energy drinks can affect breath alcohol testing, a study is available on the National Institutes of Health website.
What to Do If You Are Tested After an Energy Drink
If you find yourself in a situation where you are being tested shortly after consuming an energy drink, the following steps are important to keep in mind:
- Inform the officer: Politely let the officer know you just consumed an energy drink. This helps create a record of potential mouth alcohol.
- Insist on the waiting period: Respectfully remind the officer of the mandatory 15-minute observation period before a breath test.
- Rinse your mouth: If possible, rinse your mouth with water to help clear any remaining residue.
- Cooperate, but know your rights: If you are still concerned about the test result, it is best to cooperate with the process and seek legal counsel afterward if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while an energy drink cannot make you fail an alcohol test due to systemic intoxication, the trace amounts of ethanol found in many brands can cause a temporary false positive on a portable, roadside breathalyzer. This is a direct result of 'mouth alcohol' and is not an indication of actual impairment. The effect is transient and disappears after the recommended 15-minute waiting period, which allows the residual alcohol in the mouth to dissipate. Ultimately, more accurate evidential breathalyzers are designed with safeguards to prevent this issue. The real danger lies in mixing energy drinks with alcohol, as the stimulant effects can mask impairment, leading to an increased risk of driving under the influence. Awareness of these factors is key to avoiding inaccurate test results and promoting responsible behavior.
