A breathalyzer is a device that measures blood alcohol content (BAC). It is an essential tool for law enforcement and medical professionals. They are also used in courts to determine the level of intoxication. A breathalyzer consists of two main parts: a tube and a fuel cell. The tube, which contains chemicals, is where you blow your alcohol-laden warm air. The fuel cell converts this breath into an electric current and the machine calculates the BAC number. If you’re looking for an easy way to calculate your BAC before driving or drinking, here are some things you should know about how they w ..read more

It is no secret that alcoholism is bad for the body. It can harm the most vital organs, including the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas. To make matters worse, it can weaken your immune system – and make you susceptible to certain cancers. Given these effects, alcoholism may kill you in the long run. Depending on the disease you develop, you may only have a month to 20 years to live. Advanced Liver Disease Alcohol takes a heavy toll on the liver. It starts with alcoholic fatty liver disease, where the fat envelops the liver. During this first stage, the symptoms may be easily revers ..read more

The death of a loved one can be really hard, especially if it’s due to addiction. They can’t help but think that’s an untimely cause since the person would likely be alive if it weren’t for substance abuse. While this holds some credence, the fact of the matter is there’s nothing else you can do but to process this person’s death. Below are some helpful ways on how to do so. The Sad Statistics A loved one dying from addiction is an issue that most people face every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 67,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2018. This has made d ..read more

There is no question that addiction – whether to alcohol or illicit substances – can destroy many relationships. Addicts often have issues with communication, trust, and respect. Since the focus is on using (or drinking), the addict’s intimate partner (or other family members) usually end up feeling hurt or betrayed. Given the strain of addiction on relationships, affected family and friends can’t help but advocate for rehab. After all, it may help bring about sobriety – which is good for the person physically and emotionally. How Addiction Affects Relationships Sadly, the addict’s relationsh ..read more

Rehab is vital for people addicted to alcohol or illicit substances. It has many benefits, the likes of which will be discussed below. Sadly, some people find it hard to deal with the structure of rehab. There are times when they feel the urge to leave the facility right away. That being said, most people can’t help but ask: can the patient check him/herself out of the rehab center? But First, the Importance of Checking Yourself into Rehab Addicts are mandated to attend rehab because of a variety of reasons. For one, it’s a safe space. People who want to quit using drugs or alcohol may e ..read more

Alcoholism – also known as alcohol use disorder – is a condition that involves problems in controlling liquor consumption. This leads to continuous alcohol drinking – even when it causes a bevy of problems. In most cases, alcoholics need to drink more to get the same buzz they did before. As a result, they often suffer from withdrawal symptoms whenever they minimize or stop drinking alcohol. Since alcoholism – even the mild cases – can lead to serious problems, the person needs to get treatment right away. The regimen often includes detox for withdrawal, psychological counseling, psychiatric ..read more

If you believe that a rehab center or chemical dependency recovery hospital has violated laws regarding your patient’s care – or that of your own – you can file a complaint against it. Here’s how you can do so. What Complaints Can Be Filed Against a Rehab Center? According to the Medicare website, you can file a complaint against a facility on the following grounds: Improper care (such as abuse) or unsafe conditions (such as fire safety or water damage). In the case of rehab centers, examples of improper care may include lack of supervision leading to relapse or suicide. Facility conditi ..read more

Also known as a sober living environment, a sober living home is a structured living area for people who have just finished alcohol or drug rehab. Usually patterned around the 12-step program, it aims to create a drug- and alcohol-free environment for those who wish to abstain from them. While a sober living house usually serves as a transitional place between the treatment facility and the society, it also caters to individuals who have not undergone treatment. Sober Living Home Categories Sober living environments are categorized according to the support they offer. Level 1: Peer-Run This d ..read more

Panadol, which is also known by its generic name Acetaminophen, is used to manage fever – and mild to moderate pain. While some people deem this painkiller to be less dangerous than say, Hydrocodone or Oxycodone, the fact of the matter is it can be addictive as well. What is Acetaminophen (Panadol) Addiction? You are technically addicted to Panadol if you take it at least 3 times a week for the last 3 months. Ideally, it should only be taken for less than 3 days for fever and 10 days for pain. Panadol addiction can be more severe if you are taking Tylenol 3. Unlike the common Panadol, Tylenol ..read more

Heroin is a type of opioid made from morphine. This substance is obtained from opium poppy seeds, which grow in Mexico, Colombia, and Southeast Asia. Also known as smack, horse, hell dust, and big H, it usually takes the form of white or brown powder. There’s also a sticky, black type of heroin known as black tar. Heroin Facts and Figures According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 15,000 Americans died from a heroin overdose in the year 2018 alone. This is a rate of about 5 out of every 100,000 residents. In total, 115,000 Americans have died due to heroin since the year 1999. What’s ..read more