You know you need help with your drug or alcohol addiction. But is this the right time to seek treatment? After all, the world is in a global pandemic. The country is in a state of national emergency as the coronavirus continues to spread. For most people, anxiety and stress levels are elevated.
The Right Time
Despite these challenges, the answer to your question is yes. This is the right time for you to seek treatment for your addiction. Canyon Vista Recovery Center is accepting clients, with pre-screening procedures in place to protect your health and safety. We can offer you the support and guidance you need to recover from addiction, and we can give you the tools to cope with the lifestyle changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Dangers of Not Getting Professional Help
This virus has affected almost everyone and everything. Schools, businesses, and churches are closed. Most people’s lives have been impacted financially and socially. For those with a substance use disorder, the disruption of everyday life is especially dangerous.
- With the stay-at-home restrictions, many people with addictions are lonely, increasing their chance of using more of their substance of choice. The isolation combined with heavy use can also worsen any mental health conditions they may have.
- Often an individual who struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction has a compromised immune system. This is especially true if the person smokes marijuana or tobacco or uses a vape. These people may be at a greater risk of contracting the virus.
- If you know you need to end your addiction and decide to try to detox alone at home, there could be severe consequences. Depending on the substance and severity of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations, Grand mal seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), tachycardia, or death.
Do not let your anxiety and fear stop you from seeking treatment for your addiction. It could save your life.
How Does the Virus Affect People with a Substance Use Addiction?
The coronavirus is a respiratory virus that attacks the lungs. According to an article by The National Institute of Drug Abuse, COVID-19 affects users of different types of drugs and increases their risk of becoming infected with the virus.
- Because of weakened lungs, cannabis smokers are more susceptible to the virus.
- Because of weakened pulmonary and respiratory systems caused by opioids, opioid users are more vulnerable to the virus. Opioids slow the user’s breathing and can cause a dangerous decrease in blood oxygen level, which can damage the brain.
- People who use methamphetamines are at a higher risk of becoming infected with the virus because the drug constricts the blood vessels in the brain and heart, contributing to pulmonary hypertension and other pulmonary damage. Methamphetamines can also damage the lungs, kidneys, and liver.
- Those addicted to drugs or alcohol have a higher chance of experiencing incarceration or homelessness. Both of those conditions increase the odds of contracting the disease because they lead to close contact with others who may be infected or have an increased risk for infection.
- Many people who have a substance use disorder also have an underlying mental health condition. The impact of the virus can increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Although much is still unknown about COVID-19, we do know that certain populations have a higher risk of very serious side effects if they contract the virus. People suffering with an active addiction are one of those high-risk populations.That said, individuals are encouraged not to wait, and to seek treatment now.
Get the Help You Need
The decision to stop using drugs or alcohol is the first step to leading a clean and sober life. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call and speak to a professional at Canyon Vista Recovery Center located in Mesa, Arizona. We will answer your questions and help you begin your recovery journey.
