I've taken cough syrup with alcohol in it. I prefer to use the stuff that's alcohol free but whatever works, works. Someone mentioned motives. That's important!! If you were copping a buzz or hoping to, there's a problem IMO. I generally don't use anything but ibuprophen but to each his own. Only you know whether or not you are abusing the stuff. If you're not, not a problem. I have a pigeon who won't take anything at the dentist because he's afraid of becomming addicted. I think he's nuts to sit there in pain. To each his own.