The Criminalization of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription opioids are the single most dominant addiction threat facing the country. At one point they were killing more people per year than heroin and cocaine combined. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more New Jersey residents graduate for prescription opioids to heroin because prescription opioids got to be too expensive or scarce for users. This phenomenon is one of the prevailing reasons why heroin deaths continue to rise in so many New Jersey counties. It’s important to remember, however, that many of the offenders who get caught with these prescriptions started off by taking them on orders from their doctors for legitimate injuries.
A recent report from the Medicare prescription drug program revealed that generic hydrocodone was the most commonly prescribed drug among Medicare recipients. These elderly patients represent only a small part of the 15 million people who struggle with prescription drug abuse. Prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone yield effects that are nearly identical to those of heroin and also produce similar withdrawal symptoms. Up until very recently, these drugs were being dispensed by doctors operating storefront pain management clinics and prescribing pills for profit. Some of these facilities still stand today, despite the nationwide crackdown.
If you’re facing prescription drug-related charges, you don’t need punishment; you need help. Many individuals who are picked up on these charges developed addictions through no fault of their own. Conviction on a prescription drug felony can have a lasting impact on your life and severely inhibit your ability to move forward. An experienced criminal defense attorney can fight for you in court while working to get you the help you need. Rather than risk facing jail time and hefty fines, let a lawyer try to minimize the fallout so you can move on with your life.
The attorneys at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC have extensive experience helping clients who are facing prescription drug charges and are fully prepared to fight for you in court. Contact us today for a free consultation and so we can help you overcome the charges that await you.