The risks associated with addiction and your physical health exist on a daily basis. This is true among people that have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), a substance use disorder (SUD) or a dual diagnosis disorder. Some people use more than one drug. If you use alcohol and also use other drugs, the consequences associated with addiction and your physical health are possibly even greater. Get the treatment you need at a women’s treatment center such as the Willows at Red Oak

Do you worry about the risks associated with coronavirus, and wonder if you are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19? There are some groups of people that are at considerably increased risk of getting coronavirus or experiencing greater difficulties recovering from it, compared to the general population that does not have addiction issues. 

Alcohol and Your Physical Health  

The effects of drinking on the physical health of people that have an alcohol addiction have been known for many years. Researchers and medical professionals wrote about it more than a century ago. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)explains that whether you drink alcohol over time, or even one single episode of drinking too much, potentially takes ‘a serious toll on your health.’

Many individuals with an alcohol use disorder also smoke. Smoking weakens your lungs, putting you at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and having a hard time trying to recover from the devastating virus. 

Some effects of alcohol addiction on your physical health include: 

• Heart damage with even a single occasion of drinking alcohol 

• Liver damage and inflammation 

• Increase in the risk of developing certain cancers 

• Brain changes that affect physical and mental functioning 

Drinking alcohol also causes weakening of the immune system. The NIAAA explains that this possibly leads to your body being more susceptible to illness. Individuals that have a weakened immune system, including from addiction, are at greater risk of getting coronavirus and other serious, possibly fatal illnesses. That said, a women’s rehab center in NC can help you end your alcohol addiction.

Drug Addiction and your Physical Health 

When you have an addiction to any drug, you increase the risks to your physical health. A weakened immune system makes you more susceptible to having coronavirus. You are also more at risk of dying from coronavirus due to complications, compared with people that do not have an addiction. 

Some risks to your physical health when you use drugs are the same risks associated with alcohol abuse. There are some other risks related to addiction and your physical health, including dental and oral health problems when you use meth or certain other drugs, and damage or destruction of nerve cells.  

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that when you abuse drugs, you have a greater risk of developing some serious infections. While coronavirus is a virus, not an infection, it has similar risks to your physical health. You are at greater risk of dying from coronavirus if you are an active addict. Getting treatment right now can help you get your life back, and help you live free of the risks and complications associated with drug addiction. A women’s recovery center can be critical to ending a drug addiction

Get Help Today

A Boston Herald contributor reported in March 2020 that addicts are ‘particularly at risk’ for getting coronavirus. Some reasons cited included the fact that addicts often have underlying health issues, and are vulnerable to relapse. 

Did you already complete treatment? Do not let the coronavirus fears, the social distancing and isolation have a triggering effect that results in relapse. 

The caring, professional staff at drug treatment programs and comprehensive alcohol treatment programs help individuals learn to stop letting drugs control their life. Receive the treatment that you need today. Learn how to lower your risk of getting coronavirus or another serious virus or infection that can have devastating effects, considering addiction and your physical health. Contact the Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.