2. Opioids
This type of painkiller is highly addictive; even short-term use can be problematic. Regardless of the very real dangers, opioid prescriptions are written like they’re going out of style. The CDC reports:
“Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, and so have sales of these prescription drugs. From 1999 to 2015, more than 183,000 people have died in the U.S. from overdoses related to prescription opioids. Opioid prescribing continues to fuel the epidemic…Overdose is not the only risk related to prescription opioids. Misuse, abuse, and opioid use disorder (addiction) are also potential dangers.” (23)
Over-the-counter analgesics are only marginally better in the long term than pharmaceutical drugs. At this moment, you have painkillers in your home that will work for most normal pain. Consider medicinal herbs that contain phytochemicals for pain reduction. Excessive or chronic pain may require professional intervention; talk to your healthcare provider about less hazardous options for pain management. Cannabis has now become acceptable and is a scientifically proven painkiller. There have been no reported cases of cannabis overdose. Ever.
3. Prednisone
Prednisone is a common steroid medication prescribed for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis. It works to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by imitating the action of the hormone cortisol (secreted by the adrenal glands). The problem with long-term use of steroids is that by suppressing the immune system, they prevent natural healing. Furthermore, some of the many side effects can be devastating:
- greater risk for all kinds of infection, which can become deadly
- dementia, impaired cognition and memory (24)
- excitement, irritability, and restlessness
- chronic headache
- impaired vision
- depression and other psychiatric disorders (25)
- severe allergic reactions
- diabetes
- weight gain
- osteoporosis
- (26)
A 2017 study into the frequency of short-term steroid prescriptions and their outcomes concluded:
“One in five American adults in a commercially insured plan were given prescriptions for short term use of oral corticosteroids during a three year period, with an associated increased risk of adverse events…Within 30 days of drug initiation, there was an increase in rates of sepsis, venous thromboembolism, and fracture.” (27)
Many of the side effects will dissipate after use of the drug stops. But some don’t. If your immune system isn’t working properly, the cure doesn’t lie in a drug that further suppresses it. Doesn’t it make more sense to naturally reduce inflammation and boost your immune system?