Today I chose to do my workout. While I wasn't overly motivated, as soon as I hopped on the treadmill I noticed Anderson Cooper was doing a special on the recently deceased Whitney Houston. Dr. Drew, one the most sought after addiction specialists, was speaking to Anderson about the realities of addiction. These two men are two of my favourites and I would've missed the show if I didn't workout. As usual, I'm glad I that I made the choice to workout. I always say you never regret getting it done.
         On the topic of choices, Anderson Cooper made a comment on Whitney's unhealthy lifestyle choices, doing drugs and drinking despite the damage it was causing to her career. Dr. Drew was quick to correct Anderson in  saying that in cases of severe addiction, it is no longer about willpower, but about the inability to make the right choice and a dysfunctioning brain. Whitney was prescribed drugs by a medical professional that should have never reached the hands of an addict. Dr. Drew noted the 3 scripts that she had  should have never been combined.
             Prescription medications cause more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined. As a health practitioner, the willingness to prescribe appalls me. The amount of people I meet on a daily basis who have scripts for opiates and addictive sedatives and muscle relaxants amazes me. Even more so, the lax attitudes that doctors have in prescribing drugs before considering natural remedies like exercise (for muscle pain and tightness, for sleep, for stress), massage, yoga, and chiropractic.
           I have taken it upon myself to become educated on pharmaceuticals, partly because I like to know what myself and my loved ones are taking, and also because many of my clients are on meds for diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, and infection. I need to be aware if there will be any interaction between their prescriptions and supplements, foods, or exercise. I have never had a doctor ask me about my supplement use or drinking habits when prescribing a medication, and frankly this scares me.
           Please read all of the information your pharmacist gives to you when you fill a script. Let them know if you are taking supplements or any other medications, or drugs.  Be aware of consuming alcohol when taking medications. Antidepressants can increase the effects of alcohol. Alcohol should not be taken with sedatives. Natural remedies like 5-HTP can cause serotonin syndrome and even death when combined with antidepressants. Warfarin and blood thinners have multiple supplement interactions.
          Be honest with your doctor about your drug use and supplement. They cannot get you in trouble or report you for consuming illegal drugs, but they may be able to help. I have seen too many people (celebs and otherwise) lose their lives because of a drug interaction sometimes due to lack of information. Pleased be informed about your health, if not for yourself, for your loved ones.