It is a sad truth that some deaths of famous personalities are attributed to drug abuse, such as the case of Prince. According to the Center for Disease Control, two million Americans abuse the use of Morphine, Fentanyl, and Oxycodone. Over the years, the number of people getting addicted to drugs is significantly increasing. Drugs can be very addictive that users will do everything to get one.
Certain drugs are used for medicinal purposes. One example is the Opioid painkiller, Oxycodone which is prescribed to make an injured person feel better. Abuse of the substance will happen if he or she no longer needs the medicine but still takes it for use or sells it to other people addicted to it. The person can also get immune to the medication which will lead for him to need higher doses which can cause accidental overdose. If, after the prescribed time of use, the person still uses the drug, he will be tolerant of the drug.
In other cases, people who are addicted to Oxycodone go to a different doctor once they no longer get prescription from their previous doctor, this way they can get the pill legally and use it or sell it to others. When they can no longer get the prescription from doctors, this is the time they turn to buy drugs on the internet or in the streets. Other drug abusers opt for the cheaper choice, heroin. If the person can no longer afford to buy the drugs, he may resort to doing illegal things such as stealing to get what he wants. It then becomes a sad and vicious cycle of drug abuse.
In most states in the U.S. peddling of drugs or possession of it will account for being arrested and paying fines. You will also lose your driver’s license. Depending on the type of medicine and the amount seen in your possession, prison time can be for a year or a lifetime. There will be a required drug test and counseling for the arrested. In the state of Florida, if you are caught possessing 5 grams of Hydrocodone, you can be charged with three years of imprisonment. If you’ve been found with the same grams of marijuana, this equals a penalty and a fine and is typically tagged as a misdemeanor and not felony.
People who are addicted to drugs can make desperate moves to get what they want. The following are some signs to watch for to know if a person is addicted to painkillers:
- A sudden change in personality
- An unnecessary increase of dose and usage of drugs
- Withdrawing from social gatherings
- Neglecting basic responsibilities
- Doctor shopping for prescription
- Sudden and alarming change in appearance such as looking exhausted or sick, or not caring for hygiene
- Defensive and always angry
If you or any of your loved ones gets arrested for drug abuse or drug trafficking, you should call a reputable and trustworthy bail bonds company who will help you get out of jail as fast as possible. This bail bond company should be empathetic and set aside prejudice to help their clients get out of prison quickly.