The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that older adults and those with an underlying medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes have a greater risk of becoming sick from COVID-19. Although not specifically mentioned, drug addicts could suffer more serious complications as well. We’ll discuss the connection between addiction and your physical health, and provide some action steps that will improve your chances.
Unique Risk Factors
Those with substance abuse disorders are known to engage in risky behavior. Accordingly, they may not practice the recommended safeguards that would keep them from contracting COVID-19 in the first place. For example, many will ignore advice concerning social distancing and will continue gathering together to use drugs. Others will fail to implement good hand washing or sanitizing procedures.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug users are also more likely to be homeless or incarcerated than the general public. This too leaves them more vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus due to the close living quarters they must often contend with.
Effect on the Lungs
Part of what makes the coronavirus so dangerous is the way in which it attacks the lungs. Some patients will eventually develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a condition characterized by fluid building up inside your lungs.
Naturally, those with lung damage from smoking are at a greater risk of developing lung complications than others. This is problematic for anyone who smokes meth, marijuana, crack, or other substances. Making matters worse is the fact that many addicts are also tobacco smokers.
Addiction and Your Physical Health
A study published in the American Society for Microbiology reports a connection between addictive drugs and higher-than-normal levels of infection. Drug and alcohol use can compromise your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off even common viruses. When it comes to the coronavirus, a compromised immune system could mean the difference between being able to fight off an infection or dying from it.
Drugs such as cocaine and heroin can also make you more susceptible to heart problems. In turn, a weakened heart can make it more difficult to fight off COVID-19 in the event you do contract it.
Addiction and your physical health are closely connected. If you have health problems due to drug or alcohol use, it’s more important than ever that you take precautionary steps. Breaking your dependency on illicit substances is the first step. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery right away so that we can provide assistance to you during these troubling times.
Available Programs
Beating an addiction requires a comprehensive approach to recovery. That’s why you’ll find a variety of treatment options available, such as:
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Aftercare and relapse prevention
Drug rehab normally begins with medical detox. During detox, drugs leave your body in a safe, controlled manner. Many of our clients report an improvement in health conditions such as high blood pressure as soon as they have completed detoxification.
Here at Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we treat each person as an individual and take into account any underlying medical or mental health issues. You will also have access to a safe, comfortable place in which to sleep, along with plenty of nutritious meals and snacks. Accordingly, you should notice an improvement in your health, particularly since you will no longer be bothered by the effects of your drug use.
Help for Addiction is Available
Addiction and your physical health go hand in hand. Stop suffering because of your substance abuse, and take proactive measures to improve your life and your health. Contact us today at 866.294.5306 so that one of our admissions counselors can help put you on the right track.
