Prescription drugs are perfectly legal as long as they have been prescribed by an individual’s doctor. It is when they are obtained aside from a physician or distributed by someone without the proper credentials that issues of legality arise. While individuals can certainly get into trouble for being in possession of prescription drugs that hadn’t been prescribed to them, the persons who find themselves in the most hot water are those with plans to distribute them. This includes street dealers, pharmacists and doctors who are willing to prescribe medications to just about anyone who wants them Otherwise, many of the legal problems associated with prescription drug abuse have to do with behaviors people engage in to support their habit and obtain more drugs. Below, we are going to take a look at some of the most common legal issues associated with prescription drug addiction.

A.       Illegal Distribution: It is unlawful for an individual to distribute prescription medication without the proper credentials. Anyone caught doing so will undoubtedly have a date with the judicial system. If they get caught with a big enough stash, they may be facing jail time. This not only applies to street dealers. Doctors, pharmacists and nurses can all get in big trouble for illegally dispensing medications.

B.       Illegal Consumption: It is against the law to take prescription drugs which haven’t been prescribed to you. Though, individuals are not often convicted of this, they could be.

C.       Illegal Supporting Behaviors: Many times people find themselves in trouble because of the behaviors they engage in, to support their habit. They might steal, rob people for money, engage in prostitution, basically doing whatever is necessary to get the cash they need to support their drug use.

A person might also find themselves in trouble for neglect or abuse of their children and or/spouse. An individual’s addiction might have gotten so bad that they strike out at those closest to them or they may fail to take care of the basic needs of minors in their care. This can result in their children being taken away and jail time for the offender.