Society may stigmatize the infections from the hepatitis C virus because of the context of drug misuse and addiction. People living with a substance use disorder and living with the disease can be stressed out by this.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that the rate of acute hepatitis C infections in the United States more than doubled between 2012 and 2019. According to the CDC, the rates run parallel with the country’s opioid situation, and injection drug use accounts for more than two-thirds of new hepatitis C cases.

The stigma associated with substance use can be a strong deterrent to getting care for drug dependence and other medical issues, like hepatitis C infections. However, a small 2015 study suggested that communities and social networks can help people with substance use disorder reclaim their places in society.

As hepatitis C treatments can last months and often have There are side effects., whether you have social support or not can make a difference. A 2011 study found that a lack of social support during antiviral treatment for hepatitis C was associated with higher symptoms of:

  • fatigue
  • There are pains and aches.
  • “Is it possible that I’m Irrisponsible?”
  • Other symptoms and There are side effects..

Social support might help people deal with There are side effects.. It may protect people from depression, which could affect treatment outcomes. It is important to get social support during your treatment and recovery process.

  • living with a disease
  • Recovering from substance use disorder.
  • trying to get over social stigma

Sharing Experiences. with others who understand what you are going through can be incredibly helpful.

The kind of social support that can be provided by a group setting can benefit people undergoing treatment for substance use disorder.

A 2012 study evaluated the effect of group treatment on people with hepatitis C and opioid dependence. While undergoing hepatitis C treatment with their peers and group mentors, in group therapy sessions, people receiving treatment discussed their:

  • There are side effects.
  • There are facts about the disease, hepatitis C.
  • Social stigmas.
  • Experiences.

The study authors found that group therapy may result in better outcomes for people in a drug treatment program.

Ask your doctor if they know of any support groups for people with substance use disorders. Substance use disorder treatment centers can refer you to a local support group. There is social support for both drug addiction and the disease.

  • Online forums.
  • social media.
  • phone calls
  • In-person meetings.

The groups and organizations can help you get the support you need.

Support for hepatitis C

Support for substance use disorder

Social media

Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. But there are treatments available that can cure the condition. These treatments consist of taking oral antiviral medications for 8 weeks to 6 months, depending on the medication. These newer drugs can cure the hepatitis C infection in more than 95 percent of people.

The newer medications for hepatitis C have fewer There are side effects. than older options. Side effects can include:

  • fatigue
  • There is a throbbing head.
  • The muscles are sore.
  • Dehydration, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • There is a rash.
  • Mood changes.
  • The breath was very thin.
  • Difficult sleeping
  • The appetite has been lost.

The There are side effects. above may be harder to manage if you go through recovery for a substance use disorder at the same time, but it’s important to stick with your treatment plan.

Hepatitis C treatment as a catalyst to substance misuse recovery

Researchers conducted a 2020 study with people who used injectable opioids or stimulants in the past and completed antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. The objective was to examine the impact of hepatitis C treatment on people who inject drugs.

The study showed the following when a total of 124 participants completed the online questionnaire and hepatitis C treatment:

  • A group of people reported improvements in their outlooks.
  • 73 percent of them had improved self-esteem.
  • 69 percent of them said they had a better ability to plan for their futures.

Medical treatment is available for substance use disorders, and these programs can be highly individualized to your needs. Treatment can also address your mental health and provide frequent follow-ups.

Substance use disorder treatment programs are developed by many professionals. The professionals are listed.

  • Counselors.
  • social workers.
  • Doctors.
  • nurses
  • psychologists
  • psychiatrists
  • Other professionals.

You may need to go through a medically-supervised withdrawal, also known as adetox, followed by one of three treatment types.

  • Inpatient.
  • The house is residential.
  • outpatient

“People who don’t have a stable living situation or little family support are more likely to benefit from residential treatment programs.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than half of the people with a hepatitis infection are unaware they carry the virus and don’t receive treatment until the infection advances. So, you may want to consider getting tested for infectious diseases while in treatment for a substance use disorder.

It can be difficult to process treatment options and the recovery process if you are in a treatment center for substance use disorder. The staff at your treatment facility can help you make an informed decision.

If you’re Recovering from substance use disorder., and you have a hepatitis C diagnosis, curing hepatitis C with antivirals may provide an opportunity to reidentify yourself.

Social support can help improve outcomes in treatment for both substance use disorders and hepatitis C.