Compromised Immune System Increases Risk of Coronavirus

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, affects people of all ages and socio-economic levels. There are some groups of people that are at greater risk of contracting the coronavirus or other serious viruses, infections, or illnesses. Perhaps you heard that the elderly population is at greater risk of getting sick from coronavirus. Did you know that individuals that have a compromised immune system are at greater risk of getting COVID-19?

Learn about the risks associated with coronavirus and other illnesses and having a compromised immune system. Get the treatment that you need to regain control over your life, and learn to reduce your risks of getting a devastating virus or other illness.

Increased Risk of COVID-19 Among Individuals with Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorders

Do you have an alcohol use disorder? Are you addicted to prescription opioids, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or other drugs? Do you use both drugs and alcohol? Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions means you are at greater risk of getting coronavirus. This is especially true if we compare you to people that answered ‘no’ to those same questions.

Individuals with alcohol or substance abuse disorders are at risk of experiencing more serious, possibly fatal consequences of the COVID-19 virus, compared to most population groups. This is because alcohol and drugs often lead to a compromised immune system.

It is easy to assume that a person using drugs or alcohol has to abuse substances for many years before the person experiences consequences such as a compromised immune system. The truth is that even one instance of abuse can contribute to immune system issues. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that the health consequences such as changes in heart rate, changes in your blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, psychosis, and even death can potentially occur ‘after just one use.’

People that abuse alcohol or other drugs have the opportunity to get comprehensive treatment based on their own specific needs and learn to live without drugs while improving their health.

Compromised Immune System Increases Risk of Coronavirus

There are both short-term and long-term issues related to substance abuse and alcohol abuse. These issues can affect an individual at any time. Experts attribute many deaths to alcohol every year.

The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) research indicates alcohol has a ‘systemic effect on every organ’ of the body. Individuals that abuse alcohol are more at risk of getting infections, including pneumonia, compared to non-drinkers. The researchers explained that increased risks of infection among individuals abusing alcohol is due to the effects of alcohol on the human immune system.

The researchers point to the fact that the majority of alcohol-related deaths between the years 2006 and 2010 was among working adults between 20 and 64 years of age.

Also, Individuals using drugs other than alcohol are at increased risk of getting COVID-19. They’ll have a more difficult time trying to fight the virus, compared to some other people. If you use drugs and are afraid of getting coronavirus, you are not alone.

Treatment Helps Get You on the Path to Recovery

You do not have to be alone in your fears of getting the coronavirus. Beaches Recovery is here to help you overcome your drug or alcohol abuse. Treatment centers often focus on treating you as the whole person, not just your addiction to alcohol or other drugs.

Getting treatment helps you recover. At Beaches Recovery, we know you want to get back the life that you once had. To be active like you were before you started drinking or using drugs. There is help available for you in our caring environment. So contact us today at 866.605.0532.