Addiction and Your Physical Health: How Do They Relate to COVID-19

According to the experts, the people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 are those with compromised immune systems. With that knowledge, it is critical to know how addiction and your physical health relates to keeping you safe from the deadly effects of the coronavirus.

COVID-19: Addiction and Your Physical Health

The coronavirus is only one type of common viruses that infect the nose, sinuses, and/or upper throat. This virus is similar to the common cold virus in many ways. However, it is ten-times deadlier. The recent coronavirus sweeping the planet is a type of coronavirus, called novel coronavirus or COVID-19. It is hard to believe we are facing a similar health crisis to those situations depicted in sci-fi movies. 

Those individuals most vulnerable to COVID-19 include:

• People with drug and alcohol addiction
• Children and older adults
• People with medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes
• Pregnant women

So it is vital to consider your addiction and your physical health during times like these. Now, more than ever is the time to start taking care of your body. Improving your immune system is a must to fight off this deadly disease. 

Nicotine Addiction and COVID-19

Nicotine addicts who smoke have a greater risk of death if they contracted coronavirus compared to non-smokers. This unfortunate fact is due to having weaker lungs caused by smoking. With COVID-19 targeting the respiratory system, smokers have less chance of a full recovery.

Studies in China about COVID-19 found that over half of those affected were men. According to experts, this fact is likely due to the greater number of more men that smoke compared to women.

Smokers have a weaker immune system. This often creates other health problems, including respiratory and heart disease. Given that COVID-19 is an illness that weakens breathing, it’s not surprising that smoking increases the risk of severe complications. 

Drugs, Addiction, and Your Physical Health

Drugs that pose a risk of addiction include:

• Meth
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Hallucinogens
• Marijuana

Besides nicotine addiction, people who smoke marijuana also experience a greater risk of death from the coronavirus. 

Damaged lungs mean a weak immune system and an increased risk of COVID-19 complications. And it is common for smokers to share pipes, joints, and other paraphernalia when using marijuana. These habits pose an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus. 

Another reason why addiction impacts your health is that drugs serve to harm body organs and undermine the effectiveness of important body systems. 

Smokers – Time to Quit to Avoid Contracting Coronavirus

Given the higher risk of catching COVID-19 among smokers, experts urge them to quit as soon as possible. If they already have lung problems, it is even more important to quit now. So deal with the impacts of addiction and your physical health without delay. 

Years of smoking causes the lining of the lungs to be more vulnerable. With that, they produce more receptors where the virus can latch on and cause respiratory problems. But if you quit smoking, you give your lungs time to heal and get stronger. 

Nicotine addicts must make sure they are doing everything they can to stay fit. Quit smoking, eat well, and sleep enough to stay healthy.  

Seek Help Today!

It may seem like entering a rehab program isn’t the best time right now. However, no one can deny that strengthening your immune system is the first line of defense against the COVID-19. The perfect time to get treatment for your addiction and your physical health is today. Contact Northern Illinois Recovery at 855.786.1978 for information on our inpatient safety measures, telehealth options, and more.