Prescription medications can help treat illnesses or control symptoms. Many medications are effective for specific maladies but pose a degree of risk to the public. Some medications are habit-forming or addictive. Other times, they may interact with other medications. Antibiotics, for example, can reduce the efficacy of hormonal birth control. Doctors need to be aware of what medications patients take to help minimize their risk of negative consequences. They can recommend alternate treatments if a patient responds poorly to a medication. They can also monitor people for side effects and warning signs of addiction.
Prescription medications are controlled substances that are subject to numerous state and federal regulations. People can easily break the law with prescription medications even if they don’t intend to commit a crime. The following are some of the most common prescription drug violations that result in criminal prosecution.
Sharing medication with others
People sometimes receive more medication than they need for their treatment. They may then have leftover pills, patches or liquid suspension. In some cases, they may share those medications with friends or family members who have similar symptoms or the same diagnosis. Other times, they might give their leftover medication to someone with a prescription that they can’t fill due to financial issues. Sharing medication with or without financial gain can potentially lead to charges related to drug distribution against the person trying to be kind.
Driving after taking medication
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges don’t just occur after people have too much to drink. The state can also prosecute people for driving while under the influence of a mind-altering drug. Any medication with warning labels about heavy machinery or drowsiness might be unsafe to take before driving. Even if people believe they have a tolerance, they could still end up accused of impaired driving for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of a medication.
Finding alternate medication sources
Picking a prescription up at the pharmacy can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the medication and the insurance that someone has. Some people want to avoid those costs by finding alternate sources. It is illegal to obtain medication from an unlicensed source even if the person seeking the medication has a valid prescription.
Anyone accused of misusing, distributing or improperly sourcing controlled substances might be at risk of drug charges. Understanding the seemingly benign mistakes that can lead to drug prosecution can help people who need prescription medication make safer choices.
