Getting Started with Ria Health
For more tips and information for Ria Health members, visit our video resources page, or get in touch with us with any questions.
Welcome to the Ria Health program!
This page will walk you through the basics of setting up your breathalyzer,* connecting to the app, and beginning to track your progress. We’ll also include some common FAQs, information on booking appointments, and other member benefits.
Your breathalyzer should arrive within 2-4 business days of your enrollment in Ria’s program. If you haven’t received your shipment yet, contact us at 888 881 8377 and we’ll be happy to help!
What To Expect in Your Ria Health Shipment
Every Ria Member is shipped a Bluetooth breathalyzer when they join the program.
Your kit will include the breathalyzer, mouth pieces, and a triple A battery.*
*Some models may differ. If you need further assistance, please contact customer service at 888 881 8377
How To Download the Ria Health App
Before using your breathalyzer, you’ll first want to make sure you’ve downloaded the Ria Health app.
- Go into the App store or Google Play, search for “Ria Health” and download.
- Once the app downloads, open it up and follow the prompts to the login screen.
- Click login, and use your email address and password associated with your Ria Health account.
How to Assemble Your Breathalyzer
Once you’ve unboxed your breathalyzer, it’s now time to assemble your device.*
- To begin with, you will install the triple A battery into your unit by removing the back cover from the device.
- Be sure to match the positive and negative ends of the battery with what’s marked on the breathalyzer.
- Please note: you will want to replace your first battery after 30 days of use. Then, you can replace each battery after that every 3 months to ensure accurate readings.
- Finally, add the mouth piece to your breathalyzer unit. You’ll see the unit comes with a few extras which you can set aside for future use.
*Some models may differ. If you need further assistance, please contact customer service at 888 881 8377
How to Do a Breathalyzer Session in App Mode
Once you’ve downloaded the app and assembled your breathalyzer, you’re now ready to do a breathalyzer session.
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- Turn your breathalyzer “ON” to APP MODE using the silver button on the side of the device. Press for 10 seconds, or until it reads APP MODE.
- Your breathalyzer should arrive in APP MODE, which allows it to function with Ria’s app. If for any reason it is in STANDALONE MODE, simply hold down the silver button to switch back to APP MODE.
- iPhone Users only: Make sure your Bluetooth setting is turned ON in your smartphone—this is how the breathalyzer will sync with your app.
- Now you can open the Ria Health app, and from the app’s home screen scroll down and select “breathalyze.”
- From here, click “CONNECT” in the app and the breathalyzer will sync automatically via Bluetooth connection.
- Now you’ll see your countdown in the app – so get ready to breathalyze! Begin when it reads “Start Blowing.”
- Be sure to blow strong steady air into the mouthpiece of the breathalyzer. You can stop blowing air when the device completes beeping.
- In a few seconds, your breathalyzer will come back with your BAC reading. You can click NEXT in the app to complete the prompts to finish your breathalyzer session.
Install “Ria Health Alcohol Reduction” app
Hold button until screen says “APP MODE (7 seconds)
Follow prompts in app and breathe into breathalyzer
Now You’re All Set!
Check your numbers twice a day: once in the morning when you wake up and once at night. If you have any trouble downloading the app or getting your breathalyzer set up, contact us at 866 576 4037 or at customerservice@riahealth.com and we’d be glad to assist you.
Ria Health Member FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions for members of the Ria Health program, topic by topic. We recommend browsing through each of these sections when you first get started, and as you continue with us. If you have any questions not answered below, feel free to get in touch with us, or speak with your care team through the app.
Breathalyzing
What is the purpose of breathalyzing?
The mobile breathalyzer helps in several ways: First, it keeps you honest with yourself by giving you a graph of how much you’ve been drinking and when. Second, it gives you a ritual that reminds you of your goals. Third, it gives you objective data to look at so you know how much progress you’re making. Finally, it gives Ria’s care team solid data to look at to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Where do I get my breathalyzer?
Ria Health ships a handheld Bluetooth breathalyzer to every new member at no additional charge. When your breathalyzer arrives, follow the steps listed above. If you have any problems, contact us at 877-627-0369 or customerservice@riahealth.com
When should I breathalyze?
It is best to start breathalyzing as soon as you get your breathalyzer, regardless of where you’re at with your drinking goals. This gives your care team some baseline data to look at to help them tailor treatment to your needs. For example, your care team typically needs about three (3) days of this baseline data before dispensing medications.
As for what time of day, it is best to breathalyze in both the morning and the evening throughout your time with the Ria Health program. Remember to wait at least 15 minutes after your last sip of alcohol (including toothpaste, gum, mouthwash, cough syrup, or other liquid medications).
How long and how often should I use my breathalyzer?
At Ria, we ask all members to use their breathalyzer a minimum of once (1) a day throughout the course of the program. In the beginning, it will be twice (2) a day: once in the morning and once at night, at least 15 minutes after your last sip of alcohol. Your care team will let you know when it is best to step to a lower frequency. Having this kind of consistent data helps us tailor care to your needs as you go through the program.
What happens when I have a positive breathalyzer reading?
All breathalyzer data is confidential, and stays between you and your care team. Nobody will judge you for your numbers. The main purpose of the data is to help us ensure that we are giving you the best care possible. If your care team knows that you are drinking more or less over a given period of time, they can adjust treatment accordingly to help you get the maximum benefit from the program.
You can also use your breathalyzer data as a jumping off point in meetings with your coach. All members have access to their breathalyzer data via the app.
Can I use the breathalyzer for other purposes?
The breathalyzer is only meant for gathering health data as part of the Ria Health program. Ria Health encourages members not to attempt to use this device for any other purpose, as this may cause problems with data collection, the device, or it’s syncing with the app.
Also, please be aware that the breathalyzer should not be your only way of measuring your impairment. Signs of intoxication can happen as soon as you’ve had your first drink, and there is no such thing as safe drinking—only lower risk. For further info, please read the manufacturer’s disclaimer here.
If I lose my breathalyzer, can I get a replacement & can I buy one from a retail provider to use with the App?
A replacement breathalyzer can be purchased from customer service for $100 ($75 plus $25 for shipping). If you purchase a breathalyzer from another source, it is not guaranteed to sync with the Ria Health app. You may therefore not be able to track your progress, or share your results with the Ria Health team.
How do I sync my breathalyzer with my smartphone?
Watch the above video on how to connect the breathalyzer to your phone.
My breathalyzer still isn't working, how do I fix it?
Start by checking the following:
- Make sure your batteries are fresh.
- Check if the breathalyzer is on. It should show a blue light. You can turn on the breathalyzer by pressing the button on the side for a couple seconds.
- Make sure the breathalyzer is in the app mode. Hold the single button on the breathalyzer for at least 10 seconds to place it in app mode.
- Do you have the latest operating system for your smartphone? (The recommended operating system is iOS 10 or higher, or Android 8.0 or later. The minimum operating system is Android 7.1.)
- Do you have the latest version of the Ria Health app? If you do not, please delete and redownload it.
- Enable Bluetooth and location services on your mobile device.
- If you installed the BACtrack app (in addition to Ria Health), please uninstall the BACtrack application. The breathalyzer can only function with one app at a time.
- Try going to “Profile” in the app menu, and click “Forget Breathalyzer.” Then resync the breathalyzer.
If you’ve tried each of these steps, and the breathalyzer is still not working, contact us at 877-627-0369 or customerservice@riahealth.com
How does my BAC reading convert to units on the app?
We use the Widmark Formula, which is a standard formula for calculating units to BAC in alcohol treatment. This method factors in a standard alcoholic drink (about 14 grams of pure alcohol) along with gender and weight. As with any measures for alcohol use, there are other variables (e.g., food eaten, health conditions) that can impact the score. Data produced here are for helping to shape health decisions only.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
What is BAC?
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) refers to the percentage of alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol) in a person’s bloodstream. A BAC of .10% means that an individual’s blood supply contains one part alcohol for every 1000 parts blood.
In the United States, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if one has a BAC of .08% or higher, except for Utah where the BAC limit is .05%.
It is important to note that having a BAC below the legal limit doesn’t mean it is safe to operate a vehicle, or engage in some other activity. Impairment due to alcohol use can occur at levels well below the legal limit.
What determines my BAC level?
A person’s BAC level can be affected by the number of standard drinks consumed, an individual’s weight, gender, pattern of drinking, genetics, and food intake.
Impacts of increasing blood alcohol levels
Effects and impairments resulting from increasing blood alcohol levels may include:
- Slowed reflexes and reaction time
- Slurred speech
- Memory trouble, blackouts, and memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of physical coordination
- Passing out
- Heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure changes
Effects of alcohol at various BAC levels
| BAC | Physical and Mental Effects |
|---|---|
| .01 – .03 | No apparent effects, slight mood elevation |
| .04 – .06 | Feeling of relaxation, sensation of warmth, minor impairment of reasoning and memory. In Utah, legally impaired at .05% BAC |
| .07 – .09 | Mild impairment of balance, speech, vision, and control. In the U.S., legally impaired at .08% BAC, illegal to drive at this level |
| .10 – .12 | Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of judgment. Speech may be slurred |
| .13 – .15 | Gross impairment of motor control, blurred vision, major loss of balance. Onset of dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) |
| .16 – .20 | Dysphoria predominates, nausea may appear. Drinker has the appearance of “sloppy drunk” |
| .25 – .30 | Severe intoxication, needs assistance walking, mental confusion. Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting |
| .35 – .40 | Loss of consciousness. Brink of coma. |
| .40 and up | Onset of coma. Likelihood of death due to respiratory failure without medical assistance |
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