Alcoclocks: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Drink driving is a persistent issue in the UK. According to the latest figures, there were 4,390 drink-drive collisions, and between 230 and 290 people are killed each year due to drink driving.

Whilst heavy consequences are associated with drinking, current measures don’t seem to be sufficient, as the RAC discovered that in the last 11 years, 26,819 people with licences have been convicted more than once.

Alcoclocks, also known as alcolocks, are devices that are installed in cars to stop people drink driving, capable of preventing those under the influence from operating their vehicle. There is rising support for their wider use, and they can play a crucial role in alcohol monitoring for those in recovery.

We’re going to take a deeper look at acloclocks, how they work and what their role could be in alcohol recovery.

What Is an Alcoclock?

An alcoclock, also known as an alcohol ignition interlock, is a breathalyser that is installed directly into the car. They are primarily used as alcohol monitoring devices to prevent people from drink-driving.

They are commonly used as part of agreements with the court after an offence and are becoming increasingly used as part of rehabilitation programmes.

Alcoclocks have been used effectively in countries around Europe and are gaining support in the UK. Over 4 in 5 drivers support the introduction to reduce repeated offences of drink driving.

How Does an Alcoclock Work?

The breathalyser handset is connected directly to the car’s ignition system. Before you turn the key or press the ignition button, you have to blow into the handset. An alcohol sensor in the device then analyses the breath sample and measures the BrAC (breath alcohol content).

If you are over the preset alcohol limit, then the car will not start.

Testing

When using the device as part of a court order or rehabilitation programme, there can be scheduled test times. Not only can tests occur to start the car, but there can also be rolling tests while driving, to ensure no drinking has occurred in the vehicle, though this will not switch off the vehicle.

The handset will flash up reminders and countdowns to scheduled tests.

Identity Verification

To verify identity and avoid cheating, breath samples are asked to be given in a certain way, such as humming and a suck-back breath pattern that has been learned, making it hard to replicate.

Results Recording and Monitoring

Every interaction with the alcoclock is documented. This data can then be downloaded during maintenance appointments and check-ins or electronically transmitted, sending real-time alerts to the relevant people.

Why Are Alcoclocks Used?

Alcoclocks can be utilised in various situations.

• Recovery and rehab programmes: Some rehabilitation programmes may utilise alcohol monitoring to promote accountability in a person during recovery. An alcoclock is a tool to give more structure to recovery efforts, meaning there is less chance to work around restrictions or lie about substance use.
• Legal and court-ordered monitoring: A court can opt for alcohol monitoring rather than disqualification. Losing your license only punishes you and can make your life more difficult. With court-ordered monitoring, there is a physical block to reoffending, which could dramatically reduce the number of offences we see.
• Workplace and compliance requirements: Some workplaces may require these tests, especially if the job revolves around operating vehicles, to avoid liability and ensure safety.
• Private use during recovery: Alcoclocks can be purchased for private use. Those in recovery may want to be proactive and ensure accountability, especially in the early days of recovery.

Benefits of Using an Alcoclock

Alcoclocks and similar devices have many benefits, including:

• Encourages accountability: With clear evidence and consequences, users have to accept that they are responsible for their actions, empowering them to commit to healthier coping strategies.
• Supports abstinence goals: Those overcoming alcohol addiction need goals. Meeting targets gives you encouragement, confidence and the belief you are heading in the right direction.
• Provides objective monitoring data: Data can be used to track progress over time and chart how a recovery journey is going.
• Identify potential relapse concerns: Ongoing monitoring can help those looking at the data to anticipate when recovery might be going the other way, heading off a relapse before it becomes a major issue.

Limitations and Considerations

Whilst alcoclocks have many benefits in a variety of situations, there are limits to how helpful the technology can be. These limitations are particularly more apparent when used as part of recovery efforts, rather than as a monitoring tool for someone who has broken the law.

Considerations that need to be given attention to include:

• Not a substitute for treatment: Alcoclocks are just a tool, dealing with a potential symptom of addiction (drink driving). If you want to make long-standing changes to behaviour, you have to engage in serious treatment that helps you address the underlying causes of your addiction, helping you avoid destructive behaviours.
• Requires consistent participation: The effectiveness of an alcoclock as a monitoring device depends on your participation. If you stop driving but start drinking again, there’s no way an alcoclock can be an effective tool.
• Privacy and monitoring considerations: Alcoclocks require access to breath-test data, vehicle usage information and data location. You may find it comfortable to surrender a lot of your privacy, and also that data is only as secure as the company keeps it, with potential for your private information to be compromised.

Rather than being the main tool of recovery, an alcoclock will be most effective when combined with professional support.

Alcoclocks and Alcohol Recovery

Accountability is central to recovery. To overcome an addiction, you have to admit you have one and that you are responsible for your actions. With this honesty, you show you are ready to change and prove a willingness to make more positive decisions in your life. Alcohol monitoring can complement therapy and treatment because it provides real-world, but not devastating, consequences for not committing to recovery.

If you drink, you cannot operate your car. This is a consequence that impacts your life, demonstrating the negative consequences of addiction. Alone, alcohol monitoring could just be a way to punish or keep track of people. It should be used as a wider recovery plan, a tool to facilitate treatment and encourage recovery efforts.

When Might Someone Be Required to Use an Alcoclock?

There are many cases where there may be no choice but to use an alcoclock.

• Court requirement to avoid losing driving license
• Rehabilitation programmes to boost recovery efforts after rehab
• Workplace policies to adhere to the company policy
• Family agreements and recovery plans to build trust and prove accountability

Learn More About Alcoclocks and Alcohol Recovery Today

Alcoclocks are alcohol monitoring devices that can prevent people under the influence from operating their vehicle, requiring a breath sample before they can start the car.

Whilst used prominently in law, they can be used as a supportive recovery and monitoring tool to help those in treatment maintain accountability and hit recovery goals.

If you are suffering from addiction recovery, contact Cassiobury Court today. We offer confidential support and guidance to those seeking to take the first steps on their recovery journey.