Watch our video on what a SCRAM is and how it is used.
A secure continuous remote alcohol monitor, or SCRAM for short, is a bracelet or monitoring system worn by a DUI offender. This device is tamperproof, and is to be worn by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This device tests the alcohol levels present in the wearer’s sweat. The reason someone would have to wear this would be due to court-ordered sobriety requirements or alcohol treatment requirements. If used properly, and the wearer abstains from alcohol, this device can show a judge that the the DUI offender has learned his or her lesson about drinking alcohol. This could help a judge see you more favorably and possibly lead to a lighter sentence. With all of this said, it is important to know what to do to successfully wear a SCRAM.
How-to Successfully Wear a SCRAM: Post-DUI Monitoring
Avoid Alcohol
This should go without saying, but in order to successfully wear a SCRAM, you need to avoid drinking alcohol. You may think that taking a sip of something would not hurt anything. However, you are wrong. Even trace amounts of alcohol can show up in your sweat, triggering an alert. It is best to avoid any alcohol at all costs.
Believe it or not, this will also include avoiding some other products that surprisingly contain alcohol as well. For example, you should not use an alcohol-based mouthwash while wearing this monitoring device. There is also a lot of hidden alcohol in other food, drinks, and medications. In addition, hygiene and personal products, like lotions, colognes, and perfumes, can contain alcohol. Avoid using these products, especially on areas near the bracelet, as this can affect your results.
Additional Considerations
Be careful not to submerge your SCRAM into water. You can clean the area with water and pat dry gently. However, you would not want to take a bath, go swimming, or get in a hot tub while wearing this device. In addition, in order to successfully wear a SCRAM, avoid other activities that involve getting a substance on the device. This includes things like getting a spray tan.
You are able to wear any type of clothing as long as nothing comes between the bracelet and the skin. If you wear socks, they should be pulled over or sit below the bracelet. However, if you are exercising, you can wear thick socks or a sweatband under the bracelet to avoid it bouncing around on your ankle.