Do you use drugs?  Many of us would say “no” because when we hear “using drugs” we think of illegal street drugs.  We don’t think about everyday drugs that we may consume casually.

But consider:

When did you last take an over the counter painkiller?

When did you last have alcohol?

How about coffee, pop, or black tea?

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, caffeine, and alcohol are all drugs too.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consume these substances, but we need to use them carefully, with awareness of the effect they have on our bodies.

Take care with pain drugs

Acetaminophen is toxic to the liver.  Commercial painkillers are not side-effect free just because they are available over the counter.  They are best used for short term emergencies.

Be cautious if you are using drugs like acetominophen or ibuprofin to get through the day, or to rest at night, on a regular basis.

Chiropractic care offers you an effective treatment for many kinds of musculo-skeletal pain that is entirely drug-free.  That means you can feel better without worrying about side effects.  Rather than masking your symptoms with regular use of painkillers, you can treat the problem at the source.

Chiropractic care is also effective at treating several different kinds of headache.

What drugs are considered “normal”?

Our society normalizes alcohol consumption.  It’s harder to tell how much alcohol is “moderate” if everyone around you is consuming several drinks in one sitting.

Health Canada’s guide suggests no more than one alcoholic drink a day for women and two for men.  As research continues, we might discover that even this number might be too high.

Too much alcohol is bad for your liver, your heart, your brain and your entire body.  Practice relaxing and having fun without alcohol.  Control how much you consume, and when.

We are fortunate that we no longer live in a society that normalizes the use of tobacco.  This is the result of decades of work on behalf of health groups.

Remember that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.  Nicotine is bad for your well-being.  If you smoke or vape, make a plan to quit.

Caffeine is a common drug

Lots of us see pop as a drink for kids.  We forget that pop, like coffee and black tea, contains caffeine.  It’s hard for a child to drink a glass of pop and then go to class or to bed, right as the caffeine takes effect.

Too much caffeine affects concentration and sleep patterns.  It can also be hard on the stomach and digestion.  Even as adults, we need to manage how much caffeine we consume and what time of day we consume it.

A drug-free solution to pain

Chiropractic care provides a natural, drug-free solution to many types of musculo-skeletal pain.  If you’re relying on over the counter painkillers or alcohol to manage discomfort, it’s time for a healthier approach.

Sheppard Chiropractic Centre is accepting new patients.  You can reach us at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.  We would be honoured to show you what chiropractic care can do for you.