In a May 4 release to the media, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauded federal efforts to curb prescription drug abuse following the U.S. government’s announcement in late April that the problem had reached crisis level. ACA encouraged patients and health care providers to explore drug-free, conservative approaches to pain management as a first-line defense against painkiller abuse.
The government’s report, “Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis,” notes that while the use of some illegal drugs has diminished, the abuse of prescription medications has sharply increased, particularly prescription opioid pain relievers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. The report reveals that unintentional opioid overdoses—once almost exclusively limited to heroin abusers—is today increasingly caused by prescription painkiller abuse.
“This new report shows that while sometimes the use of these powerful drugs may be necessary, their overuse and abuse can lead to deadly consequences. The chiropractic profession offers non-drug interventions for pain relief,” said ACA President Dr. Rick McMichael. “We urge health care providers, whenever possible, to recommend drug-free conservative care interventions for their patients before prescribing medications that may be associated with harmful side effects. It’s critical that patients know their options.” To read the government’s full report, click here.
If you are looking for drug-free, effective, and efficient results contact Dr. Andrew Cohen at ProActive Chiropractic in San Francisco. Call 415-762-8141.