When we talk about addiction, we often focus on mental health, relationships or behaviour. But one major area that’s often overlooked is how substance abuse affects the immune system. It’s not just about what happens in your mind; it’s also about what happens inside your body, at a cellular level.
At her practice in Pretoria, located on the grounds of The Way Recovery Centre, Dr Jolandi Meyer sees firsthand how addiction and physical health go hand in hand. And one of the key health systems that takes a serious knock from prolonged drug, alcohol or even gambling addiction is your immune system. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, no medical jargon, just real talk.
Understanding Your Immune System
Think of your immune system as your body’s personal security team. Its job? To identify threats (like viruses, bacteria and other harmful invaders) and eliminate them. When everything is running smoothly, your immune system works quietly in the background, protecting you from illness and helping you recover quickly.
But if that system is compromised, it’s like leaving the doors of your house wide open in a dodgy neighbourhood. You’re more likely to get sick, stay sick longer and struggle to bounce back. And when you throw substance abuse into the mix, things start to get really complicated.
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Immune Health
Substance abuse doesn’t just mess with your thoughts and emotions, it messes with your body’s ability to function. Every substance, whether it’s alcohol, nicotine, opioids, stimulants or even excessive behaviour like gambling, can throw your immune system out of balance.
Here’s how that works:
It Disrupts Your Natural Defences
Substances like alcohol and drugs can physically damage the cells in your immune system. White blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections, often become less effective. This makes it harder for your body to respond to even minor illnesses.
It Causes Chronic Inflammation
Some substances don’t just suppress your immune system, they confuse it. Your body may start to think it’s under attack all the time, leading to chronic inflammation. That’s a problem because when your immune system is always ‘on’, it eventually burns out or starts attacking healthy tissue.
It Alters Gut Health
Did you know that a huge portion of your immune system lives in your gut? Alcohol, stimulants and other drugs can destroy healthy gut bacteria, damage the lining of your digestive tract and lead to what’s known as a “leaky gut”. When that happens, toxins can leak into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that weaken the whole system.
It Increases Susceptibility to Illness
People who abuse substances are more prone to infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, HIV and hepatitis. Not because they’re unlucky, but because their immune systems are too weak to fight back effectively.
It Disrupts Sleep, Nutrition and Routine
Addiction is chaotic. And that chaos spills over into how (and if) you sleep, what you eat and how you live. Poor sleep alone can weaken your immune system. Combine that with malnutrition and dehydration, and your body’s defence system barely stands a chance.
The Long-Term Consequences
One of the biggest misconceptions in recovery is this: “Once I stop using, my body will bounce back.” Yes, stopping is the first step. But rebuilding your immune system takes time, effort and support.
Without that rebuilding process, you may:
Catch every flu or cold that goes around
Struggle to heal from minor cuts or infections
Feel tired or run-down all the time
Be at greater risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes or autoimmune issues
Recovery isn’t just about staying sober, it’s about becoming healthy again.
Recovery is About Rebuilding, Not Just Stopping
This is where Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team at The Way Recovery Centre play such an important role. When you begin your recovery journey, you don’t just need a therapist or a support group. You need a GP who understands both addiction and the toll it takes on your physical body.
Dr Meyer works closely with every patient, offering medical care that takes into account your immune system, nutrition, hormone balance, sleep cycles and gut health. Because full recovery isn’t just about abstinence. It’s about healing every part of you.
How to Start Rebuilding Your Immune System in Recovery
The good news? It’s possible to repair your immune system. But it won’t happen overnight, and it won’t happen without some effort.
Here are a few things you can do, with the support of Dr Meyer and The Way Recovery Centre, to get your immune system back on track:
Focus on Whole Food Nutrition
Your body needs fuel to heal. And not just any fuel, nutrient-dense, whole foods packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Some great immune-boosting foods include:
Fresh fruit and vegetables (especially citrus, spinach, broccoli and red peppers)
Lean proteins (like chicken, eggs and legumes)
Fermented foods (yoghurt, sauerkraut, kombucha)
Plenty of water and herbal teas
Dr Meyer often refers patients for basic blood work to check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies and tailors a recovery-friendly meal plan accordingly.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is like a daily recharge for your immune system. Without enough of it, your body simply can’t heal. If sleep is a struggle (and it often is during early recovery), Dr Meyer may recommend natural support or gentle interventions to reset your sleep patterns.
Reduce Stress and Learn Coping Skills
Chronic stress is a silent immune killer. It floods your system with cortisol, which suppresses your immune response. One of the most important aspects of long-term recovery is learning how to deal with stress in a healthy way, not just avoiding it.
The Way Recovery Centre offers group sessions, counselling and therapeutic activities that can help you build resilience and learn new ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Restore Gut Health
Since your gut is home to many immune functions, restoring gut health is vital. This may include:
Taking probiotics
Avoiding processed foods
Treating any digestive issues like IBS or reflux
Managing sugar and caffeine intake
A healthy gut equals a healthier you.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise helps regulate immune function, reduces inflammation and supports your mental health too. You don’t need to run marathons, just regular movement like walking, yoga or stretching can make a world of difference.
Keep Up With Medical Care
A key part of rebuilding your immune system is keeping regular check-ins with a medical professional. Dr Meyer is perfectly positioned to help people in recovery because she understands both the medical and addiction-related aspects of healing. Her integrated approach ensures that your treatment plan looks at the full picture, not just one piece of it.
Why This Approach Works
A lot of people assume recovery is just about self-control. But at Dr Meyer’s practice, recovery is about connection, between body and mind, between patient and doctor, between healthcare and support networks.
Being situated at The Way Recovery Centre means that Dr Meyer is part of a much larger, coordinated team that includes therapists, addiction specialists and wellness coaches. This makes it easier to offer patients:
Tailored care plans
Consistent monitoring
Quicker response to medical or psychological issues
Seamless referrals and follow-up
The result? A smoother, more supported recovery process with less chance of relapse and a better quality of life.
For information on our 28-day in-patient programme with professional qualified medical detox from addiction and a platform of different approaches to addicts suffering from long-term gambling, alcohol and/or drug addiction, get in touch with Dr. Jolandi Meyer at The Way Recovery – Gambling, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facility in Pretoria. A six-week outpatient programme with individual counselling, group therapy, and family support is also available from The Way Recovery.
The Way Recovery Halfway House in Pretoria offers a reintegration, aftercare programme to aid the addict who has finished a detox programme in adjusting to society for the recovering addict who still struggles.
When to Get Help
If you’re in recovery and feeling constantly run down, catching every illness going around or struggling to heal from injuries, it might not just be “in your head”. These are real signs that your immune system needs attention.
It’s also never too early to get support. Even if you’re still actively using or thinking about getting help, speaking to a doctor like Dr Meyer can be a powerful first step. There’s no judgement, no pressure, just honest advice and medical support.
Substance abuse silently weakens your body’s defenses. But your immune system isn’t beyond repair. With the right support, time and lifestyle changes, you can rebuild your health from the inside out.
Dr Jolandi Meyer is here to help you through every step of that journey. From your first appointment to your final follow-up, you’ll have someone who understands both your medical needs and your recovery goals.
And with The Way Recovery Centre right next door, you’ll have access to a whole community of experts committed to helping you live a life of strength, balance and health, not just sobriety.
Common Ailments Treated by Dr. Jolandi Meyer
Dr. Jolandi Meyer’s expertise and comprehensive treatment options make her an exceptional General Practitioner for addressing all ailments. She provides personalised care, empowering patients to achieve optimal health. Her compassionate approach ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment. Her practice is located in Garsfontein, Pretoria on the same premises as The Way Recovery Centre.
With her support and guidance, patients can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and a healthier, happier life.