By Brooke Price

According to the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown University, 66% of all adults in the US — more than 131 million people— use prescription drugs daily.  As mental health awareness increases in our cities, it is becoming the norm to see drugs like Adderall or Xanax in the medicine cabinet.  However, just because your friend or family member takes it does not mean that you can, too.

Many young adults and students assume that it is okay to take a friend’s Adderall to get their research paper finished, or their parent’s Zoloft to curb anxiety the week before a big presentation.  However, it is illegal to use another person’s prescription medicine even though it is safe for the person to take it himself.

Common prescription drugs include Vicodin, Percocet, Ritalin, or any other stimulant, depressant or opioid, and may be known come with a high risk for substance abuse or dependence. Controlled substances are commonly thought of as being illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine. However, many prescription drugs are considered to be controlled substances in Texas, and can come with very serious penalties if they are possessed or distributed without the permission of a certified health official.

The penalty categories include: (1) any type of opiates, Rohypnol, Methamphetamine; (2) Phenylacetone, amphetamine, Vyvanse, Quaalude; (3) Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Ritalin, Preludin, barbiturates, appetite suppressants, miscellaneous anabolic steroids; and (4) any compound with codeine, morphine, or difenoxin.

The consequences for illegal possession of any of these drugs will depend on the amount you have, which group it falls under, and if there is intent to distribute the substances. You could face serious jail time and significant fines without proper representation.

If you have been charged with a prescription drug offense in Williamson County, call the Office of Price & Wiggins, P.C. so we can review your case.