Author: contributor

Adult-onset asthma is defined simply by its name. Once one has hit the adult stages of life, he/she may experience this type, yet even so, there are certain groups that are more susceptible to it. Some are listed as follows; “women who are having hormonal changes, such as those who are pregnant or who are experiencing menopause; women who take estrogen following menopause for 10 years or longer, people who have just had certain viruses or illnesses, such as cold or flu; people with allergies, especially to cats; people who have GERD, a type of chronic heartburn with reflux; people who are exposed to environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke, mold, dust, feather beds, or perfume.”

These are the kind of factors that make adult-onset asthma different than the rest because it is one of the types that one can be faced with later in his/her lifetime, rather than as a child. In turn, not all asthma is something that’s inherited from one’s family – and/or one’s medical history – but can instead be encountered based on his/her surrounding environment, health and wellness, and/or what he/she is subject to. Fortunately, adult-onset asthma can be managed if one follows his/her doctor’s plan and keeps up with his/her day-to-day routine. If one doesn’t then his/her symptoms risk the chance of not getting any better.

 As a result, adult-onset asthma and occupational asthma have a little bit in common because they both occur in response to something that the person is surrounded by. The only difference is that occupational asthma is centered around work, but in terms of symptoms a lot of the same ones can show up for someone with adult-onset asthma if their environment consists of “cigarette smoke, some chemicals, dust, pollen, and/or mold.” The reason why is because “allergies trigger at least 30% of cases of adult asthma.”

In conclusion, it is important for one who is experiencing asthma as an adult to meet with his/her doctor to receive help in relation to his/her condition and to better observe what the underlying reason might be for him/her developing it. In doing so, lifestyle changes may need to take place for the individual’s airways to have any chance of getting better. If you are experiencing “wheezing, coughing with or without mucus, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pressure, or colds that seem to linger” then you may want to seek out the help of a medical professional to receive the best care.

When many think of a lapse they oftentimes associate it with a lapse in time. But a lapse is defined as, “an accidental or temporary decline or deviation from an expected or accepted condition or state; a temporary falling or slipping from a previous standard.” This differs from relapse in a number of ways because a relapse “represents a full-blown return to a pattern of behavior that one has been trying to moderate or quit altogether.”

In turn, although they are both similar to one another – as each involves the backslide of the individual – the difference between the two helps to distinguish the stage of the person’s addiction. One example of a lapse is if someone ends up slipping up, and using the preferred substance once or twice; but when one relapses he/she usually gets worse – and/or finds himself/herself fully immersed back into his/her addiction. However, if one is not careful – when experiencing a lapse – he/she might find himself/herself trapped by feelings of shame or guilt; that’s why it’s crucial for the addict to stay encouraged – or in the right mindset – despite his/her slip up. In doing so, he/she is a lot more likely to bounce back – compared to those who dwell in their mistake. 

In addition to this, it would also be foolish to think that one living drug/alcohol-free no longer feels the urge to resume use. For several triggers – that stem from the individual’s environment or the outside world – risks jeopardizing that person’s progress. Not only that, but his/her inner thoughts begin to take a toll as well – as thoughts of what it felt like to be under the influence have the potential to sweep in due to high-stress situations.

In conclusion, it is important to know the difference between these two – no matter whether you’re a struggling addict or a recovery addict – because it can make all the difference when looking at your road to recovery. In fact, it’s better to be mindful – so that you have a better chance of ridding the substance right at its source. Just keep in mind that sobriety is not impossible for those who have experienced a lapse – or a relapse; but even so, addiction isn’t easy so it will still take some time for them to autocorrect back into the right direction.

“In 2012, it was determined that 18.1% of Canadians met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence at some time in their lives, many of which were in that past year. This number grew to 19% in 2016. Alcohol, by a wide margin, is the most abused substance in Canada.” As a result, it is important that those who are struggling with substance abuse, no matter whether it comes in the form of drugs or alcohol, seek treatment.

But in Canada, where should one start his/her search for the right rehab? Well he/she should first know of factors like “cost, waiting list, staff ratio, and aftercare”. First and foremost is cost, and while “most government-funded treatments do have cost, but it will be per the income of the client or what the client can pay such part of his welfare check, unemployment, etc.” Second is the waiting list where “most private treatments do not have any waiting list. As per our research, government-subsidized rehabs have on average 4 to 12 weeks of waiting list. In some case, it can be up to a year.” Third is staff ratio;  “usually private treatments have better clinical staff/client ratios than subsidize rehabs.” And fourth is aftercare; “the quality of the aftercare for each type of treatments will have to be determined. A good advice would be to ask the treatment facility what type of aftercare programs they have.”

It is with these four factors that addicts seeking help towards their recovery are better able to find the right fit for them. Without extensive research, and exhausting their resources, they might find themselves making the wrong choice, rather than finding a place which provides them with comfort, as well as quality substance abuse treatment programs. But through much research, all questions and concerns they might have can be answered beforehand, providing them with reassurance before making their choice.  

In conclusion, it is important that one takes all these into consideration before beginning to weigh their options. In doing so, they will find themselves on a much quicker road to recovery, so that they can regain a happy and healthy life, mentally as well as physically. It is then that they can live a drug and alcohol free life, away from the burden of addiction. But this can only be done through the process of taking the first step, which is choosing a rehab, and taking part in it.