During World War II, there was a kelpie dog named Gunner. This stray dog was found after an enemy air raid against the Allied forces. After being saved by the Royal Australian Air Force, Gunner went on to repay the kindness that was shown to him. Thanks to his amazing hearing, Gunner was able to warn his new friends about approaching enemy aircraft 20 minutes before they arrived.
Gunner quickly became essential to the defense of the Darwin Air Force Base. Just like Gunner was an unsung hero of World War II, your immune system is the unsung hero of your body. And as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to put the country at a standstill, people are paying more attention to their immune health.
While you’re taking all the proper precautions, you can’t seem to shake the concern for your loved one who abuses alcohol – and for good reason. Alcohol can negatively impact your loved one’s immune health, making them more susceptible to illnesses and viruses like COVID-19.
How Alcohol Impacts the Immune System
Ever since stay-at-home orders and social distancing were established, alcohol sales have soared. The current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic puts your loved one with a drinking problem at higher risk. But how does drinking impact the immune system?
Just like Gunner and his friends, your immune system needs time to recognize the threat and defend against it. The stronger the immune system is, the faster and more effective the body is at repelling infections.
The problem is that alcohol can make it much more difficult for your body to fight off infections. While there are many examples throughout the body, one of the most important is the lungs. Excessive drinking can damage the immune cells and fine hairs in the lungs, which are needed to clear bacteria and infections from your loved one’s airway.
Alcohol Abuse Increases the Risk of Lung Diseases
Research has shown that excessive drinking increases the risk of lung diseases. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most common, along with pneumonia and tuberculosis.
In fact, if someone who abuses alcohol gets COVID-19, they’re more likely to develop ARDS. This complication can make it more difficult to recover.
Alcohol Distracts Your Body and Immune System
Your body and immune system have plenty of tasks to keep you healthy. Unfortunately, once your loved one takes a drink, they’re introducing a new distraction.
According to research from the Cleveland Clinic, the body prioritizes the breakdown alcohol. Since the body doesn’t have a way to store alcohol, metabolizing it takes priority. But if the body is trying to fight off an infection at the same time, your immune system won’t be as effective.
For people who drink every day, there’s a higher risk of their immune system weakening over time. Ultimately, if your loved one is drinking too much, they may be at higher risk of catching colds, flus and over illnesses. Fortunately, there is a way for your loved one to stop drinking and give a much-needed boost to their immune system.
Your Loved One Can Break Free from Alcohol Abuse at Silver Maple Recovery
If your loved one drinks too much or is suffering from an alcohol addiction, there is hope for a healthier lifestyle. Silver Maple Recovery is a premier addiction treatment center in Cleveland that can help your loved one break free from alcohol abuse.
We have an addiction team with decades of local experience to offer you have peace of mind while your loved one gets the care they need. With the help of our evidence-based treatment, your loved one will receive personalized attention.
Our alcohol treatment center also specializes in detox services to help your loved one manage their withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. Your loved one has the potential to reclaim what alcohol has stolen from them. Contact our team of professional caregivers today.
