Social attitudes about drug use have changed in recent years, but there is still an alarming amount of stigma holding back those dealing with addiction. People tend to judge those dealing with substance abuse disorders. They can be even more judgmental toward those facing criminal charges related to drugs.
What many people fail to understand is that the individuals facing allegations of criminal drug possession may have found themselves in that position without consciously making an illegal choice. For many people dealing with substance abuse issues, their challenges began with a medical issue that was outside of their control.
Pain relief is important for recovery
Controlling pain helps the body heal and allows people to continue their lives while dealing with medical issues. The development of synthetic opioid medication was a medical revolution. Previously, pain relievers could be difficult to access and were costly in many cases. The ability to synthesize pain medication instead of deriving it from natural sources made pain relief more accessible and affordable.
Many synthetic opioid drugs are multiple times stronger than their naturally-derived opiate counterparts. Unfortunately, that means that they are relatively addictive. Even people who have never experimented with drugs or alcohol may find themselves feeling dependent on the medication a doctor prescribes while they undergo cancer treatments or recover from a back injury.
Particularly in scenarios where doctors stop pain relief treatment abruptly, patients may experience withdrawal symptoms. They may still have pain symptoms they want to control. As such, they may turn to the unregulated market.
People can easily find fentanyl and other synthetic opioids for sale by those who traffic illicit substances. Those who are desperate might even try heroin to stave off withdrawal and pain symptoms. If those individuals eventually get caught by the police while in possession of medication without a prescription, they may end up facing very serious drug charges.
In cases involving fentanyl and other powerful medications, prosecutors may pursue the harshest charges possible, and judges may want to make an example of criminal defendants implicated in drug-related cases. Successful professionals and others facing drug charges that relate to a prior medical issue may need help responding appropriately to the allegations against them.
Responding effectively to prescription drug charges often requires the advocacy of a legal professional. There are multiple options available to those facing prescription drug charges. Reviewing the evidence and the personal history of the defendant with a skilled legal team can result in a realistic defense strategy.