Drug Use Increases Risk of Viral Infections Like HIV and Hepatitis

1. Drug Use Increases Risk of Viral Infections Like HIV and Hepatitis Drug Use Increases Risk of Viral Infections Like HIV and Hepatitis The choices that one makes can either make or mar one’s life. This is particularly true for those who abuse illicit substances. Even one-time drug use is risky and can expose a person to harmful toxins and germs. Prior studies suggested that certain categories of drugs such as cocaine can cause a dramatic change in the brain circuitry resulting in significant memory loss. Apart from this, drugs can also adversely affect the body’s defense mechanism making it more vulnerable to viral infections. Viruses are microscopic parasites responsible for a multitude of infections diseases. From common cold and flu to the deadly immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viruses can cause innumerable diseases wreak havoc in one’ life. A healthy body has an appropriate defense mechanism to fight away viruses; but when the immune system gets weaker, there is an onslaught of disease-causing viruses in the body. These evade the defense barriers of the body, replicate their type and, at times, even destroy the healthy cells. and the human that can People using drugs, even the first-time users, are at an increased risk of contracting a viral infection because of the following reasons: Intravenous use of drugs. Significant impairments in judgement compel users to develop intimacy with an affected person. Drug use during pregnancy can pass on the deadly viruses such as HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) to the developing fetus. Drug use and HIV The HIV is a virulent virus that is transmitted through body fluids. Habitual drug users are at an increased risk because they have a high probability of sharing an infected needle or engaging in a sexual act with an infected person. Once exposed to the virus, white blood cells, www.sovfl.com

2. particularly the CD4+ T cells that wage a war against harmful pathogens, become affected. Within weeks, these T cells are either eaten up by the virus or devoured by the body's immune system. Though it might take years before the infection progresses into the dreaded acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the HIV reduces the immunological response of the body. While medical advancements and innovative treatment options have provided HIV- infected people with opportunities to lead a healthy life, a full-blown AIDS is incurable and can shorten one’s life by several years. Drug use and hepatitis Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, is caused by a variety of viruses A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis B and C can spread among drug users through common use of needles. It can also spread through sexual relations with an affected person. Thus, avoiding sharing of needles and engaging in protected sex can prevent the transmission of the virus. Another preventive measure is to get hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines at appropriate durations. Apparently, a person with HIV is susceptible to hepatitis infection. Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer cases in America. As a precautionary measure, getting regular tests for HIV, HBV and HCV, especially if one is a habitual drug user, can help mitigate the risks involved. An old study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reported that the virus responsible for genital warts, known as HPV, was more common among HIV- infected women as compared to their uninfected counterparts. Thus, drug abuse and addiction have been found to be inextricably related to the spread of HPV. A stich in time saves nine At Sovereign Health, we understand that every patient is different and that all patients take to drugs for different reasons. Therefore, basis a thorough pre-assessment, each of our patient is offered an individualized treatment plan that involves medically assisted detoxification, behavioral therapies and experiential therapy. Sovereign Health of Florida offers addiction treatment at its Fort Myers and Pompano Beach facilities. For more information on Sovereign Health’s addiction treatment programs or to locate our state-of- the-art cocaine rehab centers near you, call at our 24/7 helpline number (866) 269-2493 with one of our representatives. www.sovfl.com