A lot of people have general knowledge about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on your mind and body. Substance use also has a negative impact on your immune system.

Your immune system helps to prevents infection, disease, and keep you healthy. If you use substances, you may notice that you’re not as healthy as your peers. You may also notice that you catch a lot of colds, viruses, or other illnesses.

Drug and alcohol abuse weakens your body’s immune system. Your immune system is the part of your body’s processes that fights off illness and disease. The more you use drugs and alcohol, the harder it is to stay healthy.

Drugs and alcohol also lower your inhibitions. Consequently, you may make risky sexual decisions. High risk sexual behaviors coupled with a weakened immune system increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Substances that are snorted can cause damage to the nasal passages. A poor immune system combined with respiratory damage means that you’ll experience colds, sinus infection, and increased allergies. Drugs that are smoked can cause the same type of damage.

Hepatitis and HIV cannot be cured. However, treatment is significantly more effective when you are abstinent from drugs and alcohol. There isn’t all bad news. The body has an incredible way of healing itself.

When you enter a recovery program, there are a few steps you can take to aid the healing process. The first step towards healing is nutrition. You are what you eat. Incorporating fresh vegetables, leafy greens, fruit, grains,and lean meats are essential to healing your body. You want to limit or try to cut out processed, fatty foods when you’re working to repay your immune system.

Getting adequate rest is also crucial to your recovery. Quality sleep is important to healing. In addition to sleep and diet, you want to drink plenty of fluids, exercise, and meditate. All of these steps will help you get stronger and healthier.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your recovery. Recovery is more than not using. Recovery is also about healing. Eating and sleeping well will help your immune system get stronger and feel better. Contact us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about how treatment can help you today.