Antiviral Drugs: What They Treat and How They Work

Substance Abuse and Viral Infections 

Did you know that when you’re in the midst of a substance abuse issue, there is a higher likelihood that you could develop a potentially life threatening virus. For example, it’s not uncommon for a person with addiction issues to also contract hepatitis or HIV as a result of using a needle with another person who has the virus. When you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are more likely to do things that you wouldn’t normally do under your right frame of mind which is one of the leading reasons why you should reach out for help and treatment as soon as possible so that you don’t fall prey to one of these potentially deadly consequences of substance abuse. 

How Antiviral Drugs Work

Antiviral drugs can help offset the impact of some of the symptoms associated with the virus that your body is trying to fight off. You will need to take this medication for a period of time in order to give your body the extra support that it needs to eliminate the virus. Keep in mind, however, that not every virus can be treated with drugs. There are several viruses including HIV which can be managed with antiviral drugs, however, the virus will always be there in some way, shape or form. 

What Viruses Can Be Treated with Antiviral Drugs

There are a variety of viruses that can be treated with antiviral drugs including: 

• HIV 
• Hepatitis 
• Genital herpes 
• Ebola 
• Coronaviruses 

It’s important to remember that antiviral drugs can help to reduce the symptoms associated with these conditions, however, they may not eliminate them completely which is why you should continue to take care of yourself and see your doctor on a regular basis. 

Interactions Between Antivirals and Other Drugs and Alcohol 

In order to experience the full impact of antiviral drugs, it’s critical that you avoid mixing them with other drugs and alcohol. Although antiviral have great benefits associated with them, when you mix drugs and alcohol with these substances, some of the negative side effects of the medicine may be more exacerbated, or worse, the medication may not work effectively. If you’re struggling with a substance abuse issue, it’s critical that you’re up front and honest with your doctor regarding your substance abuse to ensure that you get the help that you need both for the virus as well as your addiction. 

Healing the Body in Addiction Treatment

At Quantum, we believe in the power of holistic healing and treatment which is one of the leading reasons why we believe that it’s important to provide our clients with the personalized care and attention that they need during the time that they are in treatment. From the moment you reach out to our intake team, you will feel the difference in the approach that we take when it comes to treatment. In most cases, you will need to begin your recovery in a detox program. Detox will provide you with the immediate care and attention that you need during the early stages of your recovery and during the time that you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms. 

Following detox, you will be able to transition into an inpatient or an outpatient treatment program which will help you to learn more about your addiction and the steps that you can take to not fall back into the trap of addiction going forward. Through participating in different forms of addiction therapy, you will be able to identify the root cause of your addiction and learn more about yourself now that you are a person that is sober. If you would like more information, get in touch with us at (609) 993-0733!