Cocaine Suppresses Immune System

Cocaine users are more likely than non-users to suffer from HIV, Hepatitis, sexually transmitted and other diseases according to a recent study by the McLean Hospital Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Centre in Belmont Massachusetts.

The study found that cocaine impairs the human body’s immune defence system for at least four hours.

This weakened immune defence system makes it more likely that an infection like HIV or the common cold can take hold.

The study involved 30 participants with a history of cocaine use that had used cocaine at least once within the past month.

The research suggesting the compromised immune system for cocaine users could help to explain the known high incidence of infectious diseases amongst drug users.

(Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2003, pages 1188-1193)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

This research confirms other scientific research that indicates that illicit drugs suppress the human immune system.

Past scientific research has disclosed that cannabis use also suppresses the human immune system making users more susceptible to infections (see our web site at www.daca.org.au).

As well, cocaine use can prove fatal.

Infections like HIV and Hepatitis have serious health problems so programs that maintain illicit drug use should be replaced by rehabilitation to a drug free condition.