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Narcotic presciption law... PLEASE READ!
This is outragous!
I thought it would be crucial information for us to know though.
It is really terrible what happened to this person. I do not want this to happen to any of you here so please keep this in mind.
There needs to be a law requiring labeling stating that all prescribed narcotic prescriptions must be kept in their original prescribed bottles at all times!
I currently always keep a day or two's worth of all my medication (non-narcotic & narcotic) mixed together in one pill bottle and keep it on me in my purse. To me it is easier, than keeping two or three large bottles of narcotic medications in my purse, which could easily be lost or stolen. At home, I keep a weeks worth in those daily medication carriers, because I lock the rest of my narcotics up in a fire proof safe. This also keeps unknown people in my house from getting to them along with my 5 yr old daughter.
Recently, I went on a trip for a week to visit my father out of state where he was working. I had my mixed medication bottle in my purse, and a weeks worth of medication in their bottles packed in my suit cases, which were in the back of my car that I was driving. I left the rest home, since I just got a month's supply and I didn't want to take a chance of them being lost or stolen. Also a friend told me he was arrested while going away for a week and he had his full months prescription on him, so they got him on intent to sell or distribute dangerous controlled substances, because the cop said he did not need a full month's worth of medication for a week's trip! (What happened to keeping the medication together in their prescribed bottle?) So anyway, I was pulled over for speeding during my drive up to where I was going. The cop didn't search my car, but went through my purse and saw the medication bottle, which he opened. He asked me what all the pills were, and I was completely honest with him. I also told him the prescription bottles were packed away in my suit cases. I stated that I kept a few out of each, because I did not know how long that I would be on the road traveling. Now I have been on these medications for more than 5 years, so there was no driving while intoxicated because they did not work like that on me. The cop arrested me for being in possession of dangerous controlled substances! Now, until this, I did not know it was illegal to carry narcotics that you have prescriptions for in other means. I mean why do they make pill cases without warning labels on them? These ended up being Felony charges against me! I couldn't get the DA to drop the case even though I had valid prescriptions for them. Plus they were confiscated and I ran short at the end of the month, so I went through withdrawl a few days.
I called the DEA, no one could find this law! I looked under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, and it is not there! So I firmly believe if this is supposed to be a federal law that you can go to jail for, then it should be easy to find and it is not!
THEREFORE, I BELIEVE THAT THIS LAW SHOULD BE MADE MORE PUBLICALLY KNOWN TO ALL THOSE ON PAIN MEDS AND IT SHOULD BE LABELED ON THE BOTTLE, LIKE THE OTHER LABELS, STATING " PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION MUST BE KEPT WITH ORIGINAL CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES."
I have talked to many and many people who have run into this situation that was clueless like myself. I think this law change and labeling addition would say alot of police officer's and courts time & money!
I thought it would be crucial information for us to know though.
It is really terrible what happened to this person. I do not want this to happen to any of you here so please keep this in mind.
There needs to be a law requiring labeling stating that all prescribed narcotic prescriptions must be kept in their original prescribed bottles at all times!
I currently always keep a day or two's worth of all my medication (non-narcotic & narcotic) mixed together in one pill bottle and keep it on me in my purse. To me it is easier, than keeping two or three large bottles of narcotic medications in my purse, which could easily be lost or stolen. At home, I keep a weeks worth in those daily medication carriers, because I lock the rest of my narcotics up in a fire proof safe. This also keeps unknown people in my house from getting to them along with my 5 yr old daughter.
Recently, I went on a trip for a week to visit my father out of state where he was working. I had my mixed medication bottle in my purse, and a weeks worth of medication in their bottles packed in my suit cases, which were in the back of my car that I was driving. I left the rest home, since I just got a month's supply and I didn't want to take a chance of them being lost or stolen. Also a friend told me he was arrested while going away for a week and he had his full months prescription on him, so they got him on intent to sell or distribute dangerous controlled substances, because the cop said he did not need a full month's worth of medication for a week's trip! (What happened to keeping the medication together in their prescribed bottle?) So anyway, I was pulled over for speeding during my drive up to where I was going. The cop didn't search my car, but went through my purse and saw the medication bottle, which he opened. He asked me what all the pills were, and I was completely honest with him. I also told him the prescription bottles were packed away in my suit cases. I stated that I kept a few out of each, because I did not know how long that I would be on the road traveling. Now I have been on these medications for more than 5 years, so there was no driving while intoxicated because they did not work like that on me. The cop arrested me for being in possession of dangerous controlled substances! Now, until this, I did not know it was illegal to carry narcotics that you have prescriptions for in other means. I mean why do they make pill cases without warning labels on them? These ended up being Felony charges against me! I couldn't get the DA to drop the case even though I had valid prescriptions for them. Plus they were confiscated and I ran short at the end of the month, so I went through withdrawl a few days.
I called the DEA, no one could find this law! I looked under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, and it is not there! So I firmly believe if this is supposed to be a federal law that you can go to jail for, then it should be easy to find and it is not!
THEREFORE, I BELIEVE THAT THIS LAW SHOULD BE MADE MORE PUBLICALLY KNOWN TO ALL THOSE ON PAIN MEDS AND IT SHOULD BE LABELED ON THE BOTTLE, LIKE THE OTHER LABELS, STATING " PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION MUST BE KEPT WITH ORIGINAL CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES."
I have talked to many and many people who have run into this situation that was clueless like myself. I think this law change and labeling addition would say alot of police officer's and courts time & money!
Unfortunately in Alabama I have suffered 2 DUI arrests. I did not know there was a law that you can be arrested if an officer thinks you are on a controlled substance. 1st time cost me and because I was clueless that a law like this existed I continued of course to follow my pain doctors orders. 2nd time. Simply sleepy no meds. Just fatigued was arrested for dui. No lab testing no nothing this one is taxing on my wallet and my family. So when in alabama beware you can be prescribed pain meds and go to jail. *** for tat
So Marc, how massive is this "pill epidemic"? And please compare it to the other drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, mistaken diagnoses, botched surgeries, etc. This witch hunt is beyond ridiculous.
These charges are seldom "federal" charges, as you stated them to be, but rather "state" or "local" charges. There is a huge difference. Ignorance if the laws is never an excuse either, I'm sorry for your plight. Many, many drug abusers tell that story, but that us all it is. I am not suggesting that to be your case. Consider how massive the pill epidemic is and his many lives are list. There must be controls. Just keep your "controlled" Meds in their promoter container. Have a pretty day now.
I usually recommend beginning a new thread - as this is very old. In this instance I think there is a lot of good information here on an on-going and important issue for all opiate therapy Chronic Pain patients.
Remember the 'laws" that may have been quoted, linked or referred to in 2009 or thereafter may have changed. Also remember that laws vary state by state. Sandee1818 resides in FL - or at least she did when she posted this thread.
Always know the current laws that are applicable in your specific state and any state that you may travel through.
Be Safe My Friends,
~Tuck
Remember the 'laws" that may have been quoted, linked or referred to in 2009 or thereafter may have changed. Also remember that laws vary state by state. Sandee1818 resides in FL - or at least she did when she posted this thread.
Always know the current laws that are applicable in your specific state and any state that you may travel through.
Be Safe My Friends,
~Tuck
This is a frightening subject. For those of us that have taken opiates for years and must drive what are we to do - besides the obvious - drive safely n pray!t
I've heard all kinds of stories. An employee was ticketed for failing to have her opiates in the RX bottle they came in. Another person was ticketed for carrying too many opiates. He had just filled his opiate RX a few days earlier and was carrying them - in the original container - on a short trip.
It depends on the officer and how they interpret the law. Once you're in court the charges get sorted out - but the PM patients always lose!
It's a difficult situation. I am an astute driver. I've never been ticketed. I am far less impaired than those ppl that are texting or using social media devices. I'm far less impaired than the senior citizen that can't see over the steering wheel or reflexes are greatly reduced. I'm less impaired than the person that just slammed 2 drinks. I am less impaired than that newly licensed driver - or the mom with a blinding headache and 3 kids screaming in the car - or the dad that is late for work.
I venture to say I am less impaired than most drivers and far less impaired than some - but the law says we are impaired. Drive and we roll the dice - no ifs, ands or buts about it. We're guilty. (I have two police officers in my immediate family and that's where I am getting my information.) We don't have a legal leg to stand on. So be cautious if you must drive - if you can avoid it - don't drive and keep all medications locked in your trunk. If you do nothing wrong and are struck by another driver you may still be ticketed for an OUI.
Don't give permission for a search - that includes your purse if you carry one. An officer has the right to "look" into your purse if it is open and visible - not search but look. If you do have your meds in there make sure they are in a zippered area, out of sight. If he sees a bottle of any medication and you were stopped for a violation they can make that into probably cause and search.
The laws are not with us - and it's even worse with the War on Us - not drugs - us.
Just my two cents worth.
~Tuck
I've heard all kinds of stories. An employee was ticketed for failing to have her opiates in the RX bottle they came in. Another person was ticketed for carrying too many opiates. He had just filled his opiate RX a few days earlier and was carrying them - in the original container - on a short trip.
It depends on the officer and how they interpret the law. Once you're in court the charges get sorted out - but the PM patients always lose!
It's a difficult situation. I am an astute driver. I've never been ticketed. I am far less impaired than those ppl that are texting or using social media devices. I'm far less impaired than the senior citizen that can't see over the steering wheel or reflexes are greatly reduced. I'm less impaired than the person that just slammed 2 drinks. I am less impaired than that newly licensed driver - or the mom with a blinding headache and 3 kids screaming in the car - or the dad that is late for work.
I venture to say I am less impaired than most drivers and far less impaired than some - but the law says we are impaired. Drive and we roll the dice - no ifs, ands or buts about it. We're guilty. (I have two police officers in my immediate family and that's where I am getting my information.) We don't have a legal leg to stand on. So be cautious if you must drive - if you can avoid it - don't drive and keep all medications locked in your trunk. If you do nothing wrong and are struck by another driver you may still be ticketed for an OUI.
Don't give permission for a search - that includes your purse if you carry one. An officer has the right to "look" into your purse if it is open and visible - not search but look. If you do have your meds in there make sure they are in a zippered area, out of sight. If he sees a bottle of any medication and you were stopped for a violation they can make that into probably cause and search.
The laws are not with us - and it's even worse with the War on Us - not drugs - us.
Just my two cents worth.
~Tuck
1 Comments
When the DEA made everyone visit their doctor to pick up a handwritten, signed prescription every month, why didn't they follow the law on this? They were setting patients up to be pulled over for driving under the influence and did not give us a choice.
I do the same thing keep most in one bottle because it takes up too much space and i dont want them to get stollen, long story short my husband was arrested on fri for taking his prescribed narco 5 hrs earlier! If you google it says you cant drive on any prescribed meds sooo i loose both my jobs and my husband cant pick up our son from work? This is completely wrong! On top of it the state pig who arrested him was flying down dixie hwy without his headlights on and almost killed us! If it wasn't for my husbands quick reaction time i wouldn't be here to tell this story and believe me theres more to it!
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