BAC of .477

Reas Kroicowl is a Psychiatric Social Worker who works in an unnamed city and writes a blog entitled "Trench Warfare".

She tells the story of a patient brought into the ED (Emergency Department) with a BAC of .477.

I worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker in three large urban hospitals for over 18 years and I remember seeing a few patients with BAC's in this range as well. Most people couldn't survive with a BAC this high which indicates a very high tolerance.

To read her quick report, click here.

The CAGE music video

The CAGE music video comes from the Calgary Addiction Program.

It's cute, short, and worth watching. To watch it click here.

The CAGE is an easily administered four question screen for problems with alcohol.

1. Have you ever thought you should CUT down on your drinking?

2. Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?

3. Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?

4. Have you ever had a drink first think in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover? ( An EYE-OPENER)

Make-up or beer?

Recovery doesn't have to be done alone

Most people make changes on their own. About 80%. But the other 20% have a much tougher time. Their biochemistry has been altered and recovery is no longer just a choice, but a biological craving like being extremely thirty for water when one is parched.

To deal with these cravings people need understanding, support, and tools to manage these cravings and triggers. That's where treatment helps. There are people who know what it takes, how it might be accomplished, and can teach and assist in taking life changing action.

If you have promised yourself that you can stop your use or behavior, that you will quit tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes or doesn't last, you are not alone. Treatment is available which is life transforming for you and your relationships.

Is addiction a choice?

Research Psychologist Gene Heyman says that addiction is a choice and he has written a book about it. Tom Ashbrook interviews Heyman and others about this idea on his show "On Point" on August 11, 2009.

I think the argument is kind of silly because addiction is BOTH a choice and a disease not one or the other.

It is worth listening to. Show lasts about 50 minutes and you can access it by clicking here.

Break your shopping addiction - Buy nothing day is 11/27/09

Click on image to enlarge it for easier reading.