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What is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Posted by Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ. | Nov 01, 2019

This concept of prescription drug abuse has to do with those individuals who are given prescription medication for some ailment that they have, and they end up getting addicted to it and abusing it and getting as much as they can — that's one form of prescription abuse.

Another form is that an individual just decides that they want to use prescription drugs in order to feel good, help the pain that they have, or just because they're simply addicted to the prescription medication.

When you're abusing it, obviously, you're using too much of it, and a lot of things that you see are people going to multiple doctors to get as much of the prescription medication as they can get. Then they are getting a much larger supply than what they're supposed to.  Sometimes, we see the person getting this because they're using way too much, which destroys their body, and this abuse can have a very harmful effect on them.

Another reason we see them getting it is they could be using it themselves, or they could be selling it or giving it away to other people.  So, they're abusing the prescription drugs in that respect as well.

The law and society have really become more accepting of those individuals who are addicts who abuse prescription medication — who abuse any type of drugs — and they really don't think that they're the type of people who belong in jail or prison. Still, they're more in need of help.

The problem that the prosecutors and judges see with this concept is that a lot of people who are using and selling drugs are also involved in other crimes.

Committing Other Crimes To Support Addiction

These other crimes that people get involved with, because they are abusing prescription medication, can be much more serious.  They will start dealing in order to support their drug addiction.  They'll even become involved in violent felonies in support of their prescription or drug addiction.

Prescription Drug Fraud Lawyer in Los Angeles

So, that's the problem.  People lose their inhibitions because of drug use and do things they might not ordinarily do because they don't perceive the danger.  They don't perceive that they're hurting other people.

They don't perceive that they're putting themselves in a position to be arrested, not only for prescription abuse or drug abuse but for more serious crimes that can impact the rest of their lives.

If you find yourself involved in prescription abuse, you must seek help.  There are various support options available, such as outpatient programs that allow you to maintain your job and stay at home while attending classes. The key is to reach out and take the first step towards recovery.

Other times, residential treatment programs are available. Many times, these are paid for by medical insurance. They could be paid for by the county. A person could pay for them privately themselves.

Residential Treatment Program

Usually, I see a situation where somebody is getting a residential treatment program where they're not able to get out, and they have to stay in for some time — 60 days, 90 days, 180 days, even a year.

That person is obviously much more addicted to drugs than the average person, and that person who is getting this residential program is also looking at jail time.  So, instead of going to jail, they're going to go ahead and get help for the root of their problem and get into a residential treatment program.

Regardless of your situation, remember that legal support is available to guide you through the process and the system. This can help you navigate the system efficiently, avoid custody, and protect your criminal record. You may even be eligible for a diversion program. The key is to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

About the Author

Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ.

Ronald D. Hedding, Esq., is the founding member of the Hedding Law Firm. Mr. Hedding has an extensive well-rounded legal background in the area of Criminal Law. He has worked for the District Attorney's Office, a Superior Court Judge, and as the guiding force behind the Hedding Law Firm. His multi-faceted experience sets Mr. Hedding apart and puts him in an elite group of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Southern California.

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