The majority of immunocompromised people have HIV & AIDS. However, there are other causes of the immunocompromised system, including drug and alcohol abuse. Fortunately, specific measures can be taken to prevent being susceptible to coronavirus (COVID-19), which attacks people with a compromised immune system. Wellness is of the utmost importance these days, and Venture Academy can help your teen overcome drug and alcohol abuse to live a healthier life. Call 866.762.2211 or reach out online today for more information.
Understanding How Substance Abuse Impacts Wellness and Immunity
Substance abuse has been associated with decreased wellness and immunity due to its adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS). This is because when drugs are present in the CNS, they interfere with normal functioning leading to decreased brain activity. When this happens, individuals may experience changes to their overall level of functioning, such as memory impairment or difficulty with decision-making. It is also known to cause an imbalance in the body’s natural ability to fight off infection and illness due to impaired cell and tissue functions.
Substance abuse can have a wide range of effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional health. For example, it can:
- Increase the risk of developing severe illness from infectious diseases
- Lead to poor nutrition
- Lead to accidental injury
- Increase the risk of developing cancer, liver damage, heart disease, and more
- Lead to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety
It is very important to get professional help for substance abuse to maintain overall health and well-being, especially for young adults.
How Alcohol Adversely Affects Your Immune System
If alcohol is abused for a prolonged period, it may disrupt the digestive system and likewise damage the cells responsible for secreting enzymes required for digestion. Chronic alcohol abuse also leads to liver breakdown and failure. It also affects a person’s ability to store the necessary proteins.
In line with that, prolonged use of alcohol may eventually lead to a state called autoimmunity. This is whereby the immune system reaches a place where it starts attacking the body tissues. Even worse is when the alcohol begins attacking the white blood cells, which are the body’s defense system. When the white blood cells cannot function, a person is at a higher risk of contracting and developing even more life-threatening illnesses, such as the coronavirus.
How Drug Abuse Can Lead to a Compromised Immune System
Both prescription and illicit drugs can compromise immunity. For starters, chronic cocaine use can cause various side effects, including heart attack. Again, it can escalate the risks of overdose, especially when mixed with other substances like alcohol. When snorted, it can damage the nose cartilages that separates your nostrils.
Nicotine is an addictive chemical found in cigarettes, marijuana, and crack cocaine. This drug often leads to upper respiratory problems and a lowered immune system response to infections that may attack that area. Since coronavirus is a respiratory disease, ensure that your teen doesn’t smoke.
Opioids usually include morphine, heroin, fentanyl, and opium. Many prescription painkillers are also under this class. Injecting these drugs may heighten the risk of viral infections such as hepatitis B and C and HIV since most addicts share needles. Snorting and crushing the narcotics may also lead to a high risk of upper respiratory infections, including the throat, the mucous membranes, and the lungs.
Prescription medication can harm the heart by causing adverse cardiovascular effects. They also damage the liver by forcing it to work harder. With chronic use, prescription medication damages the brain cells and other organs of the body, leading to a compromised immune system.
Warning Signs of a Compromised Immunity
If your teen struggles with substance abuse disorders, they’ll experience various side effects. Their immune system will gradually and directly suffer harm. The drugs might contribute to a higher risk of infection and a corresponding lower immune response. There are various indicators that an immune system is compromised, including:
- High-stress levels
- Feeling cold frequently
- Wounds taking longer to heal
- Feeling tired every time
- Frequent infections
- Gastrointestinal problems
Reaching out for help and substance abuse treatment can set your teen on the path to long-term, sustained wellness and improved overall quality of life.
Discover Lasting Sobriety and Wellness at Venture Academy
These are trying times, and in the wake of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, you do not want it to strike you, your teen, or a loved one with a compromised immune system. Don’t let addiction compromise your teen’s life. Contact Venture Academy today at 866.762.2211 or online, and we’ll get your teen on the road to recovery.