It’s a common scenario. A friend has injured themselves, and even though it doesn’t seem severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room, they are still in a considerable amount of pain. Another friend, who recently had surgery, offers one of their prescription pain meds.
Did the person who offered their pain medication commit a crime? Maybe.
The Controlled Substances Act
Controlled substances are medications that have a strong likelihood of physical and mental dependence. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) regulates the distribution of these drugs to prevent substance use disorders. Some prescription drugs used to treat ADHD, anxiety, pain and insomnia are on this list and include:
- Adderall
- Xanax
- OxyContin
- Demerol
- Ambien
Only licensed health care providers can prescribe medications. Medical oversight helps ensure patient safety. Sharing prescription drugs circumvents this process and is, therefore, illegal.
Not only is it illegal, but there are also other risks, such as the following:
- Medications are prescribed based on an individual’s health condition, weight, age and other factors. The person can receive an incorrect dosage, leading to an overdose.
- Prescription medications can interact negatively with other drugs, supplements, or foods. Without medical guidance, these interactions could result in harmful side effects.
- Using someone else’s medication can interfere with and delay the proper diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition.
- Misuse of prescription drugs contributes to public health issues, including drug addiction and the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
The friend sharing the medication is only trying to be helpful. However, they may be doing serious damage to the individual and society at large.
Nobody wants to see their friend in pain. Still, sharing a prescription pain medication is never the answer. If you are facing charges for sharing a prescription medication, it’s crucial to get legal guidance to help you protect your rights and make your case.