|
Questions posted in the
The Addiction Forum have been answered by
Steven Adelman, M.D. and by Richard C. Bozian M.D. F.A.C.P. of Harvard Vanguard Medical Group.
| |
|
Subject: Re: heroin/cocaine and hepatitis c i've been clean for several months and have since been diagnosed with asymptomatic hepatitis c. at this point, what effect do heroin and cocaine have on my liver?
Jessica, Congratulations for being clean for several months!!! I know how difficult that can be and I hope you are getting the support you need, which really helps! If you were using needles to inject the cocaine or heroin, it is quite likely how you infected yourself with the HepC virus. Cocaine and heroin do not affect the liver directly, but they do indirectly, by means of sharing contaminated needles, body fluids of people carrying the virus, etc. Also, continued drug and alcohol use depress the immune system, which will compromise your ability to recover from the HepC, or fight off other infections. So healthy living is your best bet, i.e. healthy foods and eating habits, exercise, good friends and good laughs on a weekly basis. I hope this answers your question..keep up the good work. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. | |