Life After 0.5% (BAC)

“We cannot get the past breath back, nor can we take the future one. All we have is the current breath.”

Ref: Be Here Now

I almost died three times last year. Two times my body went into shock pushing all my vitals out of control and I was rushed to the emergency room (ER). The other time my Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was at 0.5% at which level there is a likelihood of death caused by respiratory failure. I was also rushed to the ER.

These were three very scary events which I though for sure would make me not want to drink ever again, but no such luck. This disease is crazy! Cunning, baffling and powerful! Addiction goes beyond the simple action of drinking or using drugs.

Addiction is Cunning

Addiction, at its core, is cunning. It can overwhelm just about any excuse or obstacle. Over time, you may find yourself yielding to its will. No matter how much you know you should not drink, for example, a small voice may say, “You can probably handle having just one.” That same cunning voice can convince you to detach from concerned friends, and cope with stress through substances, lie to your family members, or conceal the magnitude of your use. More than anything else, a substance use disorder will defend itself from outside influence, even if you want to stop. 

Addiction is Baffling

It’s very difficult to outwit addiction on your own. No matter how much you attempt to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and stop drinking or using drugs, you may find yourself back in the cycle of substance abuse again. It’s incredibly frustrating, even if you want to stay sober more than anything, you may just find yourself relapsing. This is the baffling component of addiction.

Willpower alone is not enough to overcome a substance use disorder. You have to create a strong foundation for recovery. For example, it is critical to set boundaries, regularly attend meetings and find alternative coping mechanisms for stressful situations. Without these elements, it is very easy for that inner voice to talk you into taking just one sip or just one hit.

Addiction is Powerful

We must also acknowledge that addiction is a powerful force. We are powerless over addiction once a substance is in our body, and our lives become unmanageable because our minds and bodies have been majorly affected by substance use. Addiction is a complex, chronic condition. To recover, we must completely change the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we react to triggers.

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“Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.5% is an extremely high and potentially fatal. It is highly unlikely that an individual could survive with a BAC of 0.5%. In most countries, a BAC of 0.3% or higher is considered life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol poisoning or has a dangerously high BAC, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Alcohol poisoning can lead to severe impairment, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

Please remember that discussing or encouraging dangerous or harmful behaviors is not responsible or appropriate. If you have any concerns about alcohol consumption or need support, I strongly recommend reaching out to a healthcare professional, counselor, or a helpline dedicated to assisting individuals struggling with alcohol-related issues.”

Ref: Science Direct, Alcohol Blood Level