While immune system protection may not be a major headline with the cold and flu season slipping away and with the dawn of spring, it is still important to recognize the many ways that our actions can impede overall health. Even those who feel entirely healthy on a daily basis may be causing harm to their immune system, especially those who engage in substance use disorder.

Everything we put into our bodies has some impact on our overall health, whether positive or negative. From nutrients to substances, our body will translate these components into matter that will often either help or hurt our immune system. In the age of healthy eating and balanced fitness, many have become familiar with lifestyle practices that can heighten our immune systems and in turn improve energy levels and overall well-being.

To illustrate the power of substances on human immunity, all individuals need to do is look at the ongoing damage caused by cigarettes. While the health effects are diverse, the CDC reports significant evidence that smoking can raise risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.

While those are some serious consequences, the impact substances have on the body can extend much further. Consider how these illicit substances commonly associated with addiction can impair health of regular users:

• Cocaine

From a basic standpoint, those who inhale cocaine on a regular basis will likely cause severe damage to their sinus cavities. This repetitive aggravation can heighten risk of developing a cold or other circulatory issues. While seemingly minor, these health issues can be indicative of a much larger loss of strong immune response. A 2003 study found that cocaine use can limit the production of IL-6 cytokines, a “hormone of the immune system” that plays a major part in prompting recovery when the body is damaged.

• Opioids

Opioids that come in the form of prescription drugs are commonly marketed as medications tailored to help improve the health of patients experiencing chronic pain. While these pills may be able to relieve pain under strict use, these medications are highly addictive and can lead patients to use them on a regular basis. Regular use of opioids can impair daily function a great deal, but what many may not notice is a progressive decline in immune response.

One report explains, “One of the problems associated with opioid medications is suppression of the immune system. A variety of studies have found that chronic use of these medications is strongly associated with increased risk of infection or worsening or existing infection. This has been found to be true for both bacterial infections and for HIV/AIDS.”

Recognizing these side effects of opioids is important for all patients and doctors to address. Those who are able to regulate and stop use according to physician instructions may not only be able to avoid addiction, but also keep their immune system strong.

• Alcohol

Most of us are familiar with the dramatic health consequences of drinking—even in non-alcoholic scenarios. For instance, drinking is often identified with the unpleasant side effects of nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, impaired movement and headache. However, those who abuse alcohol regularly—or binge drink—could be doing a great deal of harm to their immune system.

Noting that many alcoholics struggle with binge-drinking, it is important to learn what long-term damage is being done to the body beyond “blacking out.” AlcoholRehab.com explains, “Exhaustion as a result of binging on drugs or alcohol can be a significant cause of illness. When a person binge drinks, they may cause their body to go into toxic shock from the large amount of alcohol in their bloodstream. Secondary infections or damage to the liver can have life-long consequences.”

Healing the Immune System

The immune system does a lot for us to keep us as healthy as possible, but in order to be in our best state, it is imperative that we do everything we can to protect and heal our immune system. Entering addiction recovery can be a great way to spark this healing process and create a healthier and brighter future.

Calling back on the examples of how cigarette use can damage the immune system and overall health, it is also encouraged to look at how amazing the body is at recovering from this destruction. For instance, WhyQuit.com lists a timetable of how long it typically takes for a cigarette smoker to heal after quitting. In two weeks “blood circulation in…gums and teeth are now similar to that of a non-user.” In five to 15 years “risk of stroke has declined to that of a non-smoker.”

While other drugs and alcohol can have a devastating—and sometimes irreversible—impact on human health, it is important for those struggling with addiction to opt for healing immediately. At Chapters Capistrano we offer comprehensive, medically-assisted detox to ensure that guests are not only substance-free, but have also returned their body to a state where healing can begin.

With our focus on diet and fitness activities, Chapters Capistrano promotes whole health and wellness that will encourage all those in recovery to embrace the excitement of having an improved immune system.

If you are ready to make a decision to improve your livelihood and overall health, contact Chapters Capistrano today to learn more about our flexible treatment programs and welcoming environment.