This paper discusses the inadequacy of blood alcohol as a criterion to distinguish `driving drinkers', and the value and applications of `alcoholism markers'. `Driving drinkers' drink alcohol much more often than `drunk drivers', but the two types cannot be distinguished only by measuring blood alcohol levels. Some alcoholic drivers have been found with low blood alcohol levels. However, driving drinkers, like alcoholics, have higher levels of alcoholism markers in their blood. Some markers have detectable increased concentrations only during drinking phases. Others, like GGT (gamma-glutamyl-transferase), are also present between phases of heavy drinking. GGT is especially significant in diagnosing alcoholism, and methanol and isopropanol are also suitable indicators for establishing alcohol addiction. The paper reports the authors' studies of these markers, and gives charts showing their concentrations in blood samples of various types of alcoholised people including drivers. To improve road traffic safety, it is essential not to restore driving licences to alcoholics, until they have undergone thorough medical examination, including measures of the levels of alcohol markers. Markers like GGT can also monitor a successful withdrawal treatment or altered behaviour with respect to alcohol.
Abstract