You may not use illicit substances or know anyone who does, but that does not mean you will never find yourself accused of a drug crime in Pennsylvania. Your friend or family member may take a prescription for a medical or health condition that you think you may have. Is it okay for you to take a few pills?
Before you accidentally break the law, see what ULifeline has to say about the matter. Be sure you do not make matters worse when trying to improve your health.
Legal problems
One of the first things to know is that taking someone else’s medication is illegal in the eyes of the law. Potential punishment includes jail time and fines.
Worsening health
Bear in mind that your friend or family member’s doctor prescribed medication specifically for your friend or family member, not for you. By taking medication prescribed for someone else, you run the risk of side effects, which could make your overall health worse. You may not know how to prepare for such side effects, or know what to do should they appear.
Potential addiction
Depending on the type of medication you take, you could become accidentally addicted. This is especially true when it comes to pain medication like opioids. Both using more of the drug and weaning yourself off the drug to combat dependency can have potentially fatal consequences.
Accidents and injuries
Going back to side effects, some of them could impede your driving abilities, which could lead to accidents. Even if you do not drive, taking someone else’s medication could mess with your coordination and decision-making skills, making you dangerous and prone to injury on the street and in your own home.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
