Addiction to Alcohol/BAC after passing away

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Expert: - 10/12/2009


Question
My son passed away a few months back of ethanol intoxication and blunt force trauma from falling. The medical examiner said that the toxicology report showed his BAC at .32, but this was taken 12 after his death (he wasn't found for 12 hrs after his predicted fall). Is there a way to know what his level was when the incident actually occurred? There were no signs that he moved afterward, or that he tried to stop the fall by using his hands or wrists, and it was at least a 12 ft drop ... so I'm trying to understand if maybe his level was much higher causing a seizure or he became unconscious, causing him to fall.

Answer

Beverley Glazer MA., I
Hi Tammy,

I'm sorry to hear about your tragic loss.

Your question is beyond my expertise, but I understand that you want all the facts you can get surrounding his death.

I have no idea if there is a way to know what the BAC was before he fell.

The toxicology report would only list the BAC at the time the body was examined, however, the medical examiner may also have a way of predicting what might have happened. I suggest that you contact him.

I wish I could be more helpful,

Thank you for contacting AllExperts

My condolences again,

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com  

Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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