When a family member or a relative seems to suffer from the same condition as you, helping is a natural impulse. Sharing prescription drugs, regardless of whether you do so without malice, is not as harmless as many would assume.
Prescription drugs aim to treat a specific person based on their medical history and present condition. Sharing these medications disregards this crucial personalization, which can lead to incorrect dosage, adverse reactions and even addiction. In Maryland, as in most states, this also carries severe legal consequences.
Sharing could lead to legal trouble
While it may be legal to possess or consume medication if you have a prescription, the case is often different for those who do not. Giving your prescription drugs, especially hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine and ecstasy, to someone else could make you guilty of illegal drug distribution.
If convicted of selling or distributing controlled substances, you may face up to 20 years of jail time and a fine of $50,000.00. Penalties can also increase depending on the type and amount of medication shared. In some cases, if a family member or friend dies due to the given drugs, being charged with murder is possible.
Beyond these legal penalties, a criminal record can make it difficult to find jobs, apply for loans and secure housing.
Legal ways to help
Sharing prescription drugs may seem like a quick fix, but the potential consequences are severe. Encourage them to see a doctor instead of offering a pill from your medicine cabinet. A health care professional can assess their needs and prescribe the right medication. If you are facing drug-related charges, an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and increase the chances of a positive outcome for you and your loved ones.