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Coronavirus is pretty new to the entire globe. Originally identified as a virus in animals, COVID-19 has unfortunately converted into a virus which can be transmitted by humans, where minimal immunity is present. It is a highly infectious disease, causing many to self-isolate for a number of weeks.
With this in mind, coronavirus has caused life-changing impacts across the world. From severe cases, resulting in respiratory issues and sadly deaths, to high pressures on public healthcare services and education sectors, many countries are living through lockdown.
Although to the majority of individuals, the virus will have little health impacts, there is a category of high-risk vulnerable people, unfortunately with a high susceptibility of catching the virus.
This is down to a reduced immune system, commonly linked to existing health issues, including people in early recovery from addiction, cancer and operations. This category includes the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and those with addictions.
If you’re struggling with addiction, see the importance of continuing addiction recovery through the coronavirus pandemic. Without continuing addiction treatment, there are high risks of developing the virus, along with severe side effects from the ongoing drug and alcohol abuse.
What is Coronavirus?
As touched on above, coronavirus is a highly infectious disease. Commonly transmitted like any common cold, coronavirus is very dangerous, especially for those within the high-risk category. The two key signs of coronavirus are a high temperature and a continuous new cough, known to resemble the flu for those with average immune systems. Symptoms will usually present themselves within 2-14 days from the initial exposure.
Yet, coronavirus can resemble pneumonia for those high-risk individuals, causing severe respiratory issues, lung damage, kidney failure and substantially reduced functionality in the body. Through the extreme side effects, many individuals have sadly lost their battle to coronavirus. If you do feel unwell or detect the signs of coronavirus, it is vital that you seek medical assistance.
Starting in 2019 in China’s animal markets, coronavirus has developed from an animal virus into a human carrying disease. Through its impacts, the world has come to a halt, where self-isolation is highly recommended in most countries.
However, for the world of addiction recovery, treatment must continue. Coronavirus and addiction recovery are a dangerous pairing. Yet without continuing addiction treatment, even greater health concerns beyond coronavirus may be experienced.
Why COVID-19 and addiction are a dangerous combination
If you’re currently struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction, it is important that you understand the dangers linked to coronavirus. After abusing drugs and alcohol, the average immune system will suppress. This will increase the likelihood for those abusing drugs and alcohol to transmit viruses.
It’s also important to consider the impact that drug and alcohol abuse have on the body’s functionality and health. Many drugs can cause lung disease, respiratory problems, and heart disease; again, falling within the high-risk category. Pairing these existing side effects, with respiratory motivated disease, coronavirus and those working through addiction recovery are unfortunately a negative pairing.
With this in mind, coronavirus can be very dangerous for individuals living with addiction. They unfortunately fall within the high-risk category with other vulnerable individuals. As a result of this, it is very important for individuals within the high-risk category to maintain their health, while self-isolating. If you do experience symptoms of coronavirus, it is imperative that you seek medical support, sooner rather than later.
Although it may feel natural to stop addiction recovery through coronavirus, it is imperative that you continue to recover. Treatment centres are still ticking by, aiming to push back from the virus.
The importance of continuing addiction recovery through the Coronavirus pandemic
Similarly, to coronavirus, ongoing exposure to drugs and alcohol can cause life-limiting impacts. With this in mind, continuing addiction recovery through coronavirus is highly encouraged. Although you may feel at risk by visiting treatment facilities, they are the safest, most hygienic places to reside within at this challenging time.
It is vital to remember that by continuing your drug and alcohol abuse, you are increasing your risk of catching coronavirus. Coronavirus is yet to reach its peak in many countries, known to continue for months on end. With this in mind, by continuing through your normal reality, you may contract coronavirus.
Likewise, drug and alcohol abuse is very dangerous for your physical and mental health. Combine this with the current concerns linked to the pandemic and you could be worse off. By continuing your addiction recovery, you’ll have the opportunity to be on your road to recovery, reducing your opportunities to become chronically unwell.
No matter the situation, even though the current risk of coronavirus, addiction recovery should continue through a reputable treatment centre. This is a lifeline for those living with addiction. It is imperative that addiction treatment is continued to experience the long-term benefits of recovery. Continuing support groups, aa meetings and detoxes will be highly advantageous.
Steps to take to avoid coronavirus
If you are concerned of contracting coronavirus, there are steps you can take throughout your addiction recovery. Here at Rehab Clinics Group, we have formed a checklist for you to follow while completing addiction treatment. By following our list, you’ll have the opportunity to avoid catching coronavirus while you work through rehabilitating from addiction.
- Continue to wash your hands with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Make use of hand sanitiser as and when necessary. Ensure that this is an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Avoid close contact with any individual, especially those who are showing symptoms or coronavirus. Social distancing is imperative.
- If you do develop a cough, ensure that you are covering your mouth to avoid spreading the bacteria, followed by washing your hands.
- Avoid unnecessary contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Continuously clean commonly used objects, door handles and surfaces with disinfectant.
- Continue through addiction recovery sensibly.
Here at Rehab Clinics Group, we are still offering addiction recovery through this challenging time. This is a necessity for those with chronic addictions; a final lifeline to reverse the damage and improve quality of life. If you’re abusing drugs and alcohol, it is very likely that your immune system will be weakened. Consider addiction recovery through coronavirus to reduce your chances of contracting the disease while also improving your health and wellbeing through addiction treatment.
Contact our team today on the processes we are following to continue our addiction service while protecting our clients from this pandemic.
