Right now, the opioid crisis is so serious that it's in the news, on the minds of the authorities and something that most people have become familiar with. People who use opioids can become addicted and dependent, turning to the illicit drug market to get the medications despite no longer needing them for a legitimate purpose.
As someone who uses opioids, it is important for you to make sure you are always carrying your medications in a prescription bottle or have a prescription on hand. If you are stopped and have opiates in your possession without a prescription, you could be accused of a drug crime.
What is the state of Connecticut doing to prevent opioid abuse?
Connecticut enacted an act that was designed to curb heroin and prescription opioid abuse in 2015. The act helps by streamlining prescription reporting, providing more education to prescribers about the epidemic and drugs themselves and making the overdose-reversing drug naloxone more easily accessible.
Can you be charged if you have a prescription for opiate-based medications?
Generally, you cannot be charged if you're in possession of opioids legally. However, if you drive while impaired due to the use of opioids or have been "doctor shopping" to obtain large quantities of the drugs, you can be charged and may face penalties.
If you are arrested for possessing legal opioids or prescription medications containing them, reach out to your attorney. With a prescription for the medications in your possession, it is relatively straightforward to have the authorities drop certain charges or allegations made against you. If you are accused of impairment, then you may need to consider further defensive options.
