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Lohan wore Littleton company's ankle bracelet

Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 26, 2007 at midnight

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It's a booze-sniffing ankle bracelet that has become a must-have accessory among a handful of Hollywood celebrities. And now it's even more famous, thanks to its latest unofficial spokesmodel, Lindsay Lohan.

Known as SCRAM for short, the device is the brainchild of Highlands Ranch- based Alcohol Monitoring Systems Inc. It keeps tabs on problem drinkers by measuring the alcohol vapors leaving their bodies and wirelessly sending the data to a secure Internet site.

Corrections officials get alerts about potential violations, including drinking bouts and attempts to tamper with the bracelet. Some wearers have tried to trick the device by putting everything from tape to baloney slices between it and their skin.

For the most part, however, those who wear it tend to stay on the wagon, if only because they know they're being tracked. Test results remain confidential unless they become part of criminal proceedings.

"That's exactly the role we're supposed to play," said Michael Iiams, the company's CEO.

AMS so far has monitored 40,000 people, many of whom must don the bracelet because they've had a run-in with the law over drunken driving.

Among the famous to wear SCRAM (Secure, Continuous, Remote Alcohol Monitoring): comedian Tracy Morgan, rapper Eve and Lost actress Michelle Rodriguez.

Lohan, 21, wore the ankle bracelet voluntarily after her July 13 release from rehab. But she was arrested early Tuesday in Santa Monica, Calif., and released on bail for investigation of misdemeanor driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and felony cocaine possession.

She became one of the 20 percent of people who relapse soon after starting to wear the bracelet.

"Addiction is a terrible and vicious disease," Lohan's attorney, Blair Berk, said in a statement.

"Since Lindsay transitioned to outpatient care, she has been monitored on a SCRAM bracelet and tested daily in order to support her sobriety. Throughout this period, I have received timely and accurate reports from the testing companies.

"Unfortunately, late yesterday I was informed that Lindsay had relapsed. The bracelet has now been removed. She is safe, out of custody and presently receiving medical care."

AMS' Iiams said the device has served as a long-term deterrent for 60 percent of its users. About 20 percent more manage to stay away from the bottle after some minor violations early on.

The company deals with criminal justice systems in 43 states. Its ranks have grown to about 75 employees.

It expects to generate about $15 million in revenues this year, up from $10 million last year.

AMS plans to seek approval next year from the Food and Drug Administration to market the product for private treatment of alcoholism.

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