Former San Francisco 49er and Oakland Raider Aldon Smith, was recently fitted with a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device after being charged with domestic violence and violating a restraining order in the case. A San Francisco Superior Court judge ordered for Smith to undergo 24 hour a day alcohol monitoring with the bracelet as a condition of his release. The transdermal alcohol device tests for alcohol at random by sampling for alcohol excreted through sweat. Smith had previously been arrested for driving under the influence and hit and run. He was suspended for a year for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and now faces severe penalties in court for domestic violence, assault, vandalism and false imprisonment according to court records.
It is clear that in cases like this alcohol has played a role. 24 hour a day alcohol monitoring ensures sobriety and holds participants accountable. Any indication of alcohol consumption is immediately dealt with by the court and usually results in the party being taken into custody. Requiring sobriety helps defendants stay clear-minded as they await trial and re-evaluate choices that they are making. Many times, substance abuse plays a violent role in these kinds of cases. Holding people accountable through constant monitoring can help individuals achieve sobriety and hopefully make a positive change in their lives. Over 1600 jurisdictions now subscribe to alcohol monitoring through SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring devices. Successful sobriety programs are being run across the country to help individuals stay clean and get the help they need.