How It Starts
Most people are unaware they have Hepatitis C (HCV) until it’s too late. Even if you don’t abuse drugs or alcohol, your significant other may have it, especially if he or she shares needles with other drug users who are addicted to cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and opiates. Using intravenous (IV) drugs increases your chances of getting HCV by 50 times compared to non-IV drug users.
Hepatitis is a virus that inflames the liver and can lead to cirrhosis, liver damage and liver cancer. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are the two most common forms of viral hepatitis which are transmitted through intravenous (IV) drug use and risky sexual behaviors.
The numbers of Americans getting infected with this deadly virus are not getting any lower. According to research, the overall rate for HCV jumped by 300 to 400% from 2004 to 2014, due to the opioid epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that HCV accounts for approximately 19,000 deaths per year.
Are You at Risk? Recognizing the Symptoms
Hepatitis C is oftentimes asymptomatic but it can be detected when your doctor orders lab tests that measure liver enzymes and liver function. Once HCV enters your body, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months for symptoms to emerge, if they emerge at all. Since HCV mainly affects the liver, you may want to watch out for signs of liver damage:
• Abdominal pain (especially on the right side)
• Jaundice (yellow eyes and/or skin, dark urine, etc.)
• Easy bruising
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen (edema)
• Cognitive impairment (mental confusion, coma)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney failure
Prevent Hepatitis C with Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one has not exhibited any symptoms of HCV, but you know that alcohol and drug use are part of your routine, put a stop to your substance abuse addiction by getting help from a premier dual diagnosis treatment center like New Method Wellness. The longer you have been drinking or have been in a relationship with someone who drinks or injects drugs, the higher your chances are of getting Hepatitis C.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders in the same setting for the benefit of clients and their loved ones. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a major component of addiction treatment, improves program completion rates and when you combine evidence-based holistic therapies like Equine Therapy, Surf Therapy, Paddleboard Therapy, Nutritional Counseling or other clinical holistic therapy, you are setting yourself up for long-term, permanent success in recovery.
The Nation’s Best Center for Addiction Treatment
Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, New Method Wellness is one of the nation’s best drug and alcohol rehab centers in America. Our dual diagnosis programs have earned nationwide recognition on reputable platforms such as the Dr. Phil Show and the critically acclaimed A & E’s Intervention. New Method Wellness’s clients receive world-class addiction treatment and they can choose to stay in one of our gorgeous homes throughout South Orange County. Superb client care is at the top of our priority list, and we demonstrate our dedication by procuring voluntary accreditations from The Joint Commission and CARF International.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact us today!
