Recovering from addiction can be a grueling process, especially in early recovery. Once the body has gone through detox, the physical, mental, psychological, and emotional damage appears. All of the things that addicts cover up and numb in active addiction. To get through the recovery process, the individual has to stay clean and work through all of the past hurt and trauma. Unfortunately, many recovering addicts also have chronic health conditions from their addictions and mental issues. 
Recovering From Addiction When Your Health Has Declined Makes Your Recovery Ten Times More Difficult
It can be overwhelming and hard to stay clean when you physically don’t feel good. Also, you are not only going through the recovery process and treating the addiction and any mental health disorders, but you also have to treat any chronic health conditions or diseases that the addiction has caused. This means seeing countless different doctors. It is very important to have a team of providers working together with you to get your total well-being back in order so that you stay clean and sober. This means making and keeping all your appointments and following up with your providers, also, following your doctor’s orders, and taking any medications you are prescribed. Regardless of any chronic illness, you may be struggling with; you can get through this, stay clean and sober, and get your life back on the right track. Eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and getting adequate sleep is very important and will help you feel much better and lead as much of a normal life as possible. Also, don’t forget to practice good self-care and take time out to do things you enjoy. All of this is vital in the recovery process.
Chronic Health Problems From Addiction
Studies show that more than a third of people in recovery have health issues related to their past substance abuse. For example, a national recovery study was performed using a sample of 2000 U.S. adults; of this sample, 37 percent had been diagnosed with one or more drug and alcohol exacerbated diseases and health conditions. This included liver disease, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, cancer, hepatitis C, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and diabetes. The National Institute on Drug Abuse “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, Addiction, and Health says:
People with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Imaging scans, chest X-rays, and blood tests can show the damaging effects of long-term drug use throughout the body. (NIDA)
Chronic and heavy substance abuse can cause many diseases both directly and indirectly. It is also associated with a significant reduction in the quality of life for recovering addicts and is also known to reduce life expectancy.
Get Treatment for Different Types of Addiction at Evoke Coconut Creek
Evoke Wellness Coconut Creek is a premier treatment facility committed to providing the best care for anyone battling drug and alcohol addiction. Our top priority is your safety and comfort, and life in sobriety is our primary mission. Our team of professionals is some of the most experienced, compassionate, non-judgmental, and understanding people in the addiction field. We will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve and help you start healing and moving forward on your path to long-term recovery. Help is only one phone call away. So give us a call today.
