Overdoses are a serious problem in the United States. Those who are affected by the opioid crisis know that taking too much of any opioid can lead to serious side effects and potentially fatal consequences.
Some shocking discoveries have come out. The Drug Enforcement Administration has found that counterfeit prescriptions have been given to unsuspecting victims. Those pills, which looked like anti-anxiety medications, legitimate painkillers or ADHD medications, actually contained fentanyl, a dangerous opioid.
Since most drug overdoses reported in the studied region in Will County, Illinois, are now at least partially the fault of fentanyl, this is a trend that cannot be ignored as it begins to spread nationally.
A DWI for driving while taking prescription medications is possible
Even if someone thinks they purchased ADHD medications or anxiety medications of another type, the use of fentanyl in these pills could lead to side effects that result in impaired driving. This is not to mention that being in possession of fentanyl or other prescription drugs without a prescription for them could lead to a drug charge.
What should you do if you’re accused of a DWI or drug charges for laced medications?
If you took a drug that was not what you expected it to be, you may have a defense against any charges against you. It is unreasonable to hold someone accountable for taking a medication thinking that it was something safe but then finding out that it was laced with another substance.
If you are involved in a traffic accident or are stopped for driving recklessly after you take medications, there is a risk that you could face a DWI. If tests come back to show that you took fentanyl or other opioids without knowledge of doing so, then you should look into your options for defending yourself against the charges. Whether someone lied to you about the source of a medication you took or you purchased what looked like a legitimate over-the-counter drug that was actually laced with fentanyl, you deserve an opportunity to defend yourself and avoid facing serious penalties for DWI or drug charges.
