There is a difference between being addicted to an opiate and chemically dependent on an opiate.  Many people develop a dependency to overcome chronic pain caused by either an accident or illness and use oxycontin or hydrocodone to simply function on a daily basis.

Unfortunately in some instances this dependency can progress to addiction and cause them to engage in criminal conduct to support their dependency.  Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine if your dependency has taken you to the next level.

Have you engaged in doctor shopping?  (more than one doctor for the same script.)

Have you ever taken someone else's pain medication?

Have you ever obtained a prescription illegally?

Have you ever pawned someone else's property to get money for pain medication?

Have you ever pawned your own jewelry or property to get meds?

Have you ever stolen from a family member to get money for opiates?

Has the number of pills you take daily increased?

Have you had trouble in your marriage as a result of pain pills?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may have a serious problem that can land you in jail for Doctor shopping, dealing in stolen property, prescription fraud, drug trafficking, drug possession or some other serious criminal offense.  As an experienced Sarasota criminal defense lawyer I see all to often lives and families destroyed from oxycontin addiction.  It may not be your fault.  You can find help in weaning yourself from this dangerous addiction.  Over two thousand people died in Florida last year from prescription drug overdose.  If you have been arrested or find yourself under investigation for criminal charges in Bradenton or Sarasota call today and I will try and help