Substance abuse can have severe adverse effects on anyone’s health, but these behaviors are especially risky for people with diabetes. Even when they are aware of the dangers, some people with diabetes still drink or take drugs. For example, depression often co-occurs with diabetes, which might cause you to self-medicate in hopes of finding relief from your symptoms. However, in doing so, you will become more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder on top of your other health challenges.
Addiction and Diabetes – a Risky Combination
A worsening addiction can interfere with your ability to manage your diabetes, which can lead to dangerous consequences. For instance, drugs or alcohol might dramatically affect your blood sugar levels and interfere with the effects of any medications you take to regulate Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Regardless of the substance you use, you can expect to experience common side effects such as sleep disruptions, mood swings and trouble concentrating. Unfortunately, many of these can exacerbate your diabetic symptoms.
Where to Find Substance Use Treatment for Diabetics
Since people living with diabetes require focused medical care and support, it’s paramount to find a substance use treatment program that can help you manage both these chronic illnesses.
Most people who enter rehab start their journey by undergoing medically supervised detox – a step that is especially critical for diabetics. The discomfort of severe withdrawal symptoms can make it more challenging to adhere to your diabetes treatment by monitoring your blood sugar and remembering to take insulin. In a hospital setting like the one provided at Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, qualified health professionals will keep a close eye on your vital signs and all other aspects of your condition.
Choosing a Rehab Facility
The American Society of Addiction Medicine has recognized HVRC as an ASAM Level 4 medical detox provider. As a medically managed intensive inpatient program, we have the tools to provide the highest level of care to clients undergoing detox, along with biomedical, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional conditions.
Our interdisciplinary team addresses each part of the detoxification process for a safe and comfortable treatment experience. As experienced detox professionals, we offer round-the-clock nursing care for diabetes and other co-occurring conditions, along with in-depth psychological services. Once you complete our medical detox program, you’ll be stable enough to move into the next phase of your customized treatment plan.
What to Do When You Need Help
Treating diabetes requires a collaborative approach that includes input from multiple medical professionals. Meanwhile, addiction recovery is more successful when it provides a comprehensive foundation for all facets of wellness – physical, mental and emotional.
Establishing and maintaining lifelong sobriety is not an easy task, but the journey is worth taking to prolong your life and preserve your relationships with loved ones. If you are struggling with your well-being due to your relationship with alcohol, speak with your family and your health providers about entering an accredited treatment program. When you are ready to learn more about how we can help you, our admissions staff is ready to answer all your questions.
