Alcohol and Hepatitis C
The single most effective measure anyone infected with hepatitis C can take to slow disease progression is to totally avoid alcohol.
Severity of liver disease in those with hepatitis C is much higher among those who consume alcohol. This has been seen in rates of fibrosis, development of cirrhosis, incidence of liver cancer and finally in survival rates.
Physicians caring for patients infected with the hepatitis C usually advise them to abstain from alcohol entirely.
If you have a problem with drinking seek professional help.
You may be a long time waiting for treatment in New Zealand, so stopping drinking will be good for your survival.
Drugs and Hepatitis C
Many drugs (whether prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational) must be processed by the liver. People with HCV Hepatitis C should avoid recreational drugs and tobacco.
Drugs stress your liver it's being attacked by a virus it doesn't need the extra pressure of drugs as well.
Illicit drugs, try and stop, try and cut back, survive long enough to give them up.
If your still using intravenously contact your local needle exchange for advice , ask about filters that are available to help filter impure street drugs.
Using in a safe manner to minimise drug related harm will help you survive your drug use / addiction.
Make sure you have a supply of new filters and clean syringes and use a new one every time never share any injecting equipment spoons tourniquets water etc. Return all used equipment to the needle exchange.
Its a lifelong battle dealing with addictions of any kind. When you have HCV Hepatitis C it's important to look after your self so if you are finding your self stressed about your problems, seek professional help.
New Zealand Addictions Treatment Directory
Alcohol drug help line 0800 787 797 (New Zealand Only)