Your Guides Through the Legal Process

Can you be penalized for an addiction to prescription medications?

On Behalf of | Jan 21, 2020 | Drug Charges

When you were first diagnosed with chronic pain after an injury, you were told that there were medications that could help. Everyone you spoke with made you feel positive that these were the right choice for you, because they weren’t addictive or harmful to your body.

Many years later, the United States is dealing with the opioid crisis. What’s worse is that anyone who is addicted to these drugs and violates the law to get them, sell them or use them can be penalized: even those who were lured into a false sense of security.

If you’re struggling with an addiction to opioid medications, you’re not alone. If you’re accused of doctor shopping, forging prescriptions or other acts that are a violation of the law, then you do need to build a defense. While medical providers did prescribe these medications, arguably too often and in amounts that potentially led to dependencies, your actions can still be penalized.

Can you be arrested if you seek help for an addiction?

If you go to an addiction treatment center, hospital or other facility that is designed to help you, then the likelihood of arrest is low. However, if you don’t seek help and have drugs you don’t have a prescription for in your possession, you could be arrested for illegal possession and face consequences in court. It’s not worth the risk, so reach out for help before you end up in legal trouble. If you’re already facing drug crime allegations, then your attorney will work with you to look into alternative sentencing options and ways to help you protect yourself.

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