Whether it’s for leisure, to forget an unwanted circumstance, or to fit in, people commonly use alcohol and drugs. However, these mind-altering substances often have negative effects on one’s overall health. If people are already sick, drugs and alcohol can make them sicker.
Health complications such as lupus and their associated side effects can cause high levels of discomfort and stress. Sometimes, people use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate this discomfort. Experienced professionals at a rehab for alcoholism and drug addiction can help treat discomfort, medical issues, and addiction problems.
To understand the connection, it could be helpful to understand a little more about lupus.
What is lupus?
Lupus is a systemic health complication that occurs when the immune system attacks organs and tissues in the body. It’s a condition that can cause inflammation, which can compromise various body parts, including the kidneys, blood cells, and skin. Common signs of the disease can include:
- Joint pain
- Rashes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Kidney problems
Unfortunately, lupus does not have a cure. Common treatment techniques include using corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, or methotrexate. But using these drugs for long durations can have adverse effects on your health.
People with lupus also have a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular health complications. With the right treatment, though, people with lupus complications can live for decades.
Lupus and substance abuse
The evidence between substance abuse and degenerative health issues is alarming. People might find it difficult to cope with adverse side effects. If they have lupus, they may be more prone to substance abuse.
According to one study, adolescents with a form of lupus known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were likely to engage in substance abuse. This study showed a direct correlation between the two conditions.
Another illuminating study indicated a relationship between lupus and heroin use. It’s easy to see why people with lupus are highly likely to use drugs and alcohol to cope. The health condition can have various adverse effects on a person’s body functions and quality of life. Researchers have found that 74.1% of people with lupus experienced high levels of stress due to lupus’s side effects, for example.
Similarities between lupus and substance abuse
Based on these studies and others, it’s easy to see why lupus can be associated with excessive substance abuse. They’re both health conditions with serious side effects, and people need support.
Both can create formidable challenges, but effective rehabilitation techniques can help people face such challenges and thrive.
Psychological aspects of lupus
Since lupus is a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s organs and tissues, it’s a difficult condition to treat. It can wreak havoc on one’s psychological health as well. People may find it hard to adjust to living with the disease.
Medications that treat lupus
Many medications are used in treating lupus. The common ones include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. Some of these medications are exceptionally powerful and can compromise various aspects of a person’s life, such as appetite, stamina, and hormonal systems.
Lupus and social stigma
Lupus can cause physical and psychological pain and fatigue. People with lupus may seem frail and depressed due to the disease’s significant effects on the body. This can make them a target for bullies or people might not understand their pain. Misunderstandings and bullying can produce additional detrimental side effects on an individual’s state of mind.
Social and health management programs
Do you know of any social and health management programs? There’s a good chance that you don’t, but with the right social and health management programs, people with lupus may find it easier to manage their physical and mental health complications.
Helping someone with lupus and substance abuse issues
Rather than complain about or even marginalize someone who’s facing lupus, it’s more productive to consider other useful solutions. Some include:
Showing them support and affection
One important step in treating substance issues is to show individual support and affection. Give them reassuring messages and try to help them find available resources for managing their health complications.
Helping them sign up for rehabilitation programs
Another major step is to choose the right rehabilitation program. Effective programs have the knowledge, experience, and insight required to address physical and mental health issues. Good programs also help people become acquainted with other individuals who share the same circumstances.
In conclusion
Managing health complications and substance abuse issues the right way is highly important. People with lupus sometimes use alcohol and drugs to cope. They engage in such negative habits as a coping mechanism, especially since lupus is a chronic disease that can produce drastic side effects on the body.
Substance and lupus are common, and there are proven techniques to help people effectively manage both conditions.
Sources
healthline.com – The Effects of Lupus on the Body
journals.lww.com – Use of Heroin to Cope with Stress Caused by a Negative Life Event in a Patient with Lupus Erythematosus
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – The Effects of Daily Stress and Stressful Life Events on the Clinical Symptomatology of Patients with Lupus Erythematosus
mayoclinic.org – Lupus
www.versusarthritis.org – Lupus (SLE)
Author Bio:
Patrick Bailey is a professional writer focused on the mental health, addiction, and living in recovery genres. He stays on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoys writing about these topics to help break the stigma associated with them.
Website / Blog URL: http://patrickbaileys.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pat_Bailey80