According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the misuse of prescription drugs can seriously damage your health. The amount of prescription drug abuse has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, and it has led to more visits to emergency rooms as well as deaths related to drug overdose. While many Americans are aware of the dangers of overdosing on illegal drugs (such as heroin and cocaine), they may not be aware that the abuse of prescription drugs has become a national epidemic. The amount of deaths related to opioids has increased more than four times in the last 20 years. In fact, it has taken more lives than heroin and cocaine.
Like other controlled substances that are often sold on the street, prescription medication is heavily regulated by the federal government. Because it has become easier for people to access them, there has been an increase in crimes that involve the use of prescription medication. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act has put drugs into two main classes: non-prescription and prescription. Non-prescription drugs like Tylenol and Motrin can be bought over the counter, but no one can legally get their hands on prescription drugs without authorization from a doctor because they can be harmful if they’re not used properly. Many of them have dangerous side effect, and there’s the potential for abuse. That’s why some prescription drugs are considered to be controlled substances.
If you want to know more about the laws related to the use and abuse of prescription drugs, contact the Gale Law Group today!