The pandemic has been difficult for all of us. A new and contagious virus combined with the solitude of staying at home to avoid catching it makes our lives different and more complicated than they have been in the past. It makes sense that many of us are seeking outlets to escape the situations that we find ourselves in. As difficult as the average person has had it, it is without question that medical personnel have suffered more. They must deal with an influx of patients, many of whom die, as well as the fear of catching this deadly virus because they cannot work from home.

Nurses in particular are struggling. Even before the pandemic hit, they worked long hours for little thanks and not enough pay. Hospitals are chronically understaffed, leaving many nurses pulling double-duty in a hostile environment. Perhaps it is understandable that many nurses seek relief and energy through whatever means possible.

The problem, unfortunately, is that some of those means pass the boundary of what is legally allowed in Maryland. We believe that people who are under inordinate amounts of stress should not have to pay for the rest of their lives for mistakes they made simply trying to survive each day. If you have been charged with abusing drugs or prescription medications, Carey Law Office wants to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced drug defense lawyer at our Bowie, Crofton, or Owings location.

What is going on with nurses?

The Journal of Nursing Regulation conducted a “Nurse Worklife and Wellness Study,” and the results of that study show that the rate of nurses abusing prescription drugs was higher than that of the rest of the population. One of the lead researchers in the study, Alison Trinkoff, ScD, MPH, RN, was wary of blaming the rate increase solely on the pandemic, but told Medpage Today that the effects of the pandemic simply aggravated and “laid bare” trends that were already occurring.

After all, Trinkoff points out that 18.0% of the nurses in the study met criteria for substance abuse in general, so that they might also have a higher rate of prescription rate drug abuse as well. Not only was there a high rate of prescription drug abuse, but also alcohol abuse was at its “highest among nurses in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, with a prevalence of 42.9%.”

What types of prescription drugs are commonly abused?

While America often focuses on the opioid crisis, there are also many prescription drugs and medications that are abused, and are associated with criminal activity. These prescriptions include:

• Klonopin: An anti-anxiety and anti-seizure medication, Klonopin is also known as a date rape drug. Those caught in possession of this drug without a prescription, or are in possession of a large amount of the drug, could face severe penalties.
• Xanax: Another anti-anxiety drug, Xanax can lead to blackouts as well be used as a date-rape drug, much like Klonopin. There are reports that sometimes users who abuse the drug often cannot remember that they had ever committed crimes which they had earlier committed.
• Valium: Valium is also a type of anti-anxiety medication, and it has been used as a substitute for heroin or opioids. As with any other prescription drug, when taken with alcohol, Valium can be fatal.
• OxyContin: OxyContin, or Oxy, was the first majorly abused prescription medications. If you are found in possession of a large amount of OxyContin, or if you are charged with selling or distributing Oxy, you can face prison time and fines.
• Stimulants (Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin etc): These drugs are normally prescribed to those who need alertness, energy, focus, and attention. Misuse or abuse of these drugs can lead to such side effects such as “rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and heart damage or failure.”

What are the penalties for prescription drug abuse convictions?

While nurses might be in an easier position to access prescription drugs, it does not change the fact that police officers can tell the difference between prescription drugs that belong – those that are in a yellow bottle with your name and information on it – and those that do not. And if you are caught with that sort of evidence, not only could you be charged with possession, but also attempt to distribute and other drug charges. This is why, if you have a prescription for a controlled substance, you should carry a copy of that scrip along with you at all times.

The penalties are based on the charges you face. For illegally possessing or administering a controlled substance, you face a misdemeanor conviction with penalties including:

1. for a first conviction: up to one year imprisonment and/or $5,000 in fines
2. for a second or third conviction: up to 18 months imprisonment and/or $5,000 in fines
3. for a fourth or subsequent conviction: up to two years imprisonment and/or $5,000 in fines

For illegally dispensing a controlled substance, you face a misdemeanor conviction, and up to one year imprisonment and/or $5,000 in fines.

If you are caught possessing an illegal controlled substance, however, the fines and penalties are much more significant. You could be charged with a felony.

These fines and potential incarceration are only the start of the penalties. A drug charge, let alone a conviction, will almost certainly cost you your professional license. Everything you worked for will be gone. A conviction can also cost you your right to vote, to access government assistance, and your right to renew that license later.

We do not believe that you should lose everything you have worked so hard for over a mistake. If you are being charged with possession (or another drug charge), Carey Law Office wants to help you. Schedule a consultation with an experienced drug charge defense lawyer at our Bowie, Crofton, or Owings office today. Call us at 301-464-2500 or use our contact form. We also serve all of Calvert County.