Using and sharing prescription drugs without a recommendation from a doctor does not sound like a big deal, but it can land you in deep trouble. There are federal and state laws against it, so picking a pill from your medicine cabinet can have implications more serious than you imagine. You should not use one prescribed for someone else, nor should you share your prescription drug with others. Both ways, you go against the law even if you do it unknowingly. Let us explain the implications of using or sharing drugs without prescriptions.

Abuse of prescription medicines is common

Young people often abuse prescription medicines because they aren’t seen in a bad light like street drugs. Moreover, they are easy to access when someone in the family uses them. Your parent or spouse may have anti-depressants prescribed by a doctor because of a medical condition. It is easy to pop a pill that is already in your medicine cabinet, and you will be addicted to it sooner than you realize. Apart from anti-depressants, opioids, stimulants, and sleeping pills are some other prescription drugs that come in the realm of illegitimate ones if you have them without a prescription. Even if you do it without malicious intentions, you can still be held liable for drug abuse.

Understanding prescription drug laws

Prescription drugs refer to controlled substances legally permissible only if you have a doctor’s prescription in writing. While a person who uses the medicine without a prescription can be detained, even a doctor can be liable for prescribing a quantity greater than what a single patient needs. A user may get into a fix when carrying too many pills at a time. Possession with intent to distribute is also illegal. You can face a problem even if you do it without being aware of the law. It is best to speak to an attorney if you have been charged with a drug related crime in such a situation because you will need to have a solid defense plan in place. Unless you have an expert defending you, there are good chances that you will face a penalty or even jail time.

Knowing the prescription drug risks

While the legal implications of using drugs not prescribed for you should be enough to dissuade you, they also have some grave health risks. They can be dangerous, even lethal if you abuse them. You can expect both short- and long-term side effects, while these drugs may also contradict certain health conditions. Further, they could cause adverse reactions with other medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are already using. Wrong dosages can also lead to serious risks, and you may experience unexpected drug allergies. It is best to steer clear of medicines unless the doctor recommends them for a specific purpose.

Taking drugs without prescriptions isn’t a great idea because they can damage your health and bring legal trouble too. If you think that you really need medication, you should consult a healthcare provider and get a recommendation for a safe medicine and dosage.

Have you or a loved one taken drugs withoug prescriptions?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.