Dealing with ongoing medical issues can impact your quality of life and even your ability to keep working. Once you find a medication that works for your condition, you need to continue accessing that medication for your comfort and well-being.
Unfortunately, especially with medications that have a strong association with substance abuse, physicians are often reluctant to continue prescribing the same medication indefinitely, even if a patient reports that it improves their quality of life.
You may not want to change doctors and could run afoul of the law by seeking multiple prescriptions from different doctors, especially for the same medication. Although you may know someone who has unused medication that they offered to give or sell you, you take a big risk if you accept that offer.
People can’t give away or sell medication
Only someone with a prescription can legally possess a controlled substance unless the individual in question is a medical professional handling the drug for appropriate reasons. Otherwise, it is illegal for anyone who does not have a valid prescription to possess or consume controlled substances.
Opioids, sleep medication and even psychiatric drugs are sometimes abused by individuals with chemical dependency issues, which is why federal and state statutes prohibit their possession without appropriate physician oversight.
If the police catch you in possession of someone else’s medication or while under the influence, you could very well face criminal charges just for trying to access medication that you know works for you. Learning about the limitations on prescription medications could help you avoid life-altering drug charges. If you are facing charges, it’s crucial to have experienced legal guidance.