When over-the-counter pain relievers are not enough, doctors may prescribe Opioid-based medications such as Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Oxycontin, and Demorol. Unfortunately, some people become addicted. When the prescription runs out, they turn to illegal sources of the drug.

Even though opioid-based pain relievers are legal with a prescription, possessing them without a prescription is a felony in Tennessee. It can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. For this reason, it’s important to understand the dangers of prescription pain relievers before you take them

Opioids are effective in reducing pain for a short period of time. However, after taking the drug for a period of time, you might find you need more of it to achieve the same pain-relieving effect. This is known as tolerance. Prescription drug tolerance can lead to compulsive use the drug – and eventually to addiction.

Addiction happens when your body becomes used to having the drug in your system. If you stop taking the drug suddenly, you can develop serious withdrawal systems. When prescription drugs become difficult or costly to obtain, some may turn to street drugs such as heroin. This can lead to a downward spiral in your life.

If you are arrested for possessing prescription drugs without a prescription or a street drug such as heroin, do not attempt to explain the situation to the police. You could end up giving the state the information it needs to charge you with a felony. Instead, seek advice from a criminal defense attorney.

Your lawyer can advise you of the best way to deal with criminal drug charges. One option may be a drug diversion program. Tennessee offers diversion programs that can enable first-time offenders to avoid a conviction by completing a drug treatment program.

The law firm of The Lanzon Firm in Knoxville defends people accused of drug crimes, including illegal possession of prescription drugs. The firm’s goal is to prevent a pain-reliever addiction from become a permanent criminal record.