Public Health Issues & Addiction: Risks of Going Untreated
Although the coronavirus (COVID-19) hasn’t been making the headlines it was 5 years ago, it’s not gone. But besides COVID-19, there are plenty of other infectious diseases that can be difficult for some people to fight such as influenza, RSV, and currently, measles.
Additionally, the disease of addiction is also a serious and challenging one to battle. Couple this with a co-occurring mental health disorder, and it can feel overwhelming. However, this is a battle that can be won with a supportive team.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates treatment centers throughout the country and offers evidence-based therapies and treatment for co-occurring disorders at every one.
Addiction Treatment: Should I Postpone?
No. Confronting an addiction is paramount to the health of individuals struggling with compulsive substance use. It is important not to let anything stop you from starting a treatment program that can not only help you achieve long-term recovery, but may ultimately save your life.
Like other progressive and chronic conditions, addiction doesn’t always align with life events. Nevertheless, in many instances, postponing treatment isn’t always an option, and could even be detrimental.
Isolationism
During cold and flu season—and other times when illnesses seem to be spreading—many individuals isolate themselves in an effort to remain healthy. While such steps are valuable precautions, it’s feasible that, for some, it could be associated with increased loneliness and isolation. This could compound the sense of isolation already felt by many struggling with active addictions, and may even exacerbate maladaptive thoughts and corresponding addiction behaviors.
Reaching out to talk with a doctor, therapist, or a supportive friend or family member about these feelings can be therapeutic in these instances.
According to AAC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, MD, ABHM, FASAM, FAMA, “isolation can be dangerous and detrimental to an individual in recovery. Isolation lowers dopamine levels, which is the very neurotransmitter that the person in recovery previously replenished with substances. In this state, and left to their own devices, the relapse process can begin.”
Anxiety
For many, anxiety and addiction go hand-in-hand, and the symptoms of each condition may influence the development and progression of the other. Stress can stem from the steady barrage of many variables. Uncontrolled anxiety may make it more likely for problematic patterns of substance use to start and to persist.
Weakened Immune System
It may be no surprise that various types of chronic substance use can impact our health and well-being. Different substances, when chronically misused, are associated with diminished immune system function, increased susceptibility to contracting certain infectious diseases, as well as various issues with our cardiopulmonary system (heart and lungs).
Treatment for compulsive substance use can slow, stop, or reverse some of the cumulative damage to your health, allowing you to thrive in your environment as much as possible.
“The use of substances has been shown to suppress the function of immune response cells, thereby increasing the individual’s susceptibility to infections and infectious diseases,” Dr. Weinstein says.
Waiting on Getting Treatment for a Progressive Condition for Any Reason
Many chronic and progressive conditions and their related health consequences don’t take breaks. This includes conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and even addiction. For example, postponing a visit to a hospital for treatment over a weekend could potentially lead to an individual’s severe condition progressing, potentially placing the individual in more critical need of medical attention than before. In some instances, addiction to alcohol and drugs is similar.
Isolating for any given amount of time rather than seeking treatment could have several adverse effects. In short, waiting to receive the treatment that you need right now could result in the condition getting worse, even if it’s incrementally.
One of the most important things AAC offers is a safe treatment environment where you or a loved one can receive effective medical and psychological interventions designed to address addiction and co-occurring disorders.
If you or a loved one are ready to regain control of your life, reach out to AAC to connect with a compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigator who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find the help you need for lasting recovery.
