Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is not only a serious health issue but also a significant legal concern. Continued illicit substance use, including opioids, can lead to severe legal consequences, including incarceration. Understanding these ramifications and the importance of seeking legitimate treatment is crucial for anyone struggling with addiction. This blog post will explore the legal risks of illicit opioid use, how law enforcement calculates effective amounts of opioids, and the benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs like those offered by StartBupe Services.

Legal Ramifications of Illicit Opioid Use

  1. Possession and Trafficking Charges
    1. Possession: Even small amounts of illicit opioids can lead to possession charges, which can result in fines, probation, or incarceration1.
    1. Trafficking: Larger quantities can escalate charges to trafficking, which carries much harsher penalties, including long-term imprisonment2. The threshold for trafficking varies by substance and jurisdiction but is often based on the weight or number of doses.
  2. Morphine Equivalence in Law Enforcement
    1. Calculating Effective Amounts: Law enforcement uses morphine milligram equivalents (MME) to standardize the potency of different opioids. This helps in determining the severity of charges based on the amount of opioid seized3.
    1. Common Equivalents: For example, 1 mg of fentanyl is equivalent to 100 mg of morphine, making even small amounts of fentanyl extremely potent and dangerous4.

Embracing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In response to the opioid crisis, law enforcement and the criminal justice system have increasingly recognized the value of MAT as a legitimate and effective treatment for OUD.

  1. Law Enforcement Support for MAT
    1. Changing Perspectives: Many law enforcement agencies now support MAT programs, understanding that treatment can reduce recidivism and improve public safety5.
    1. Drug-Court Programs: Drug courts often incorporate MAT into their programs, offering individuals the opportunity to receive treatment instead of incarceration. These programs focus on rehabilitation and recovery, providing a more humane and effective approach to addressing addiction6.
  2. Benefits of Drug-Court Programs
    1. Comprehensive Support: Drug courts provide access to MAT, counseling, and other support services, helping individuals rebuild their lives.
    1. Reduced Recidivism: Participants in drug-court programs are less likely to reoffend, leading to better long-term outcomes7.

Consequences of Buying Illicit Drugs

  1. Legal Risks
    1. Felony Convictions: Purchasing illicit drugs, including prescription medications like Suboxone, can result in felony charges. A felony conviction can lead to long-term imprisonment, loss of voting rights, and difficulties in finding employment8.
    1. Loss of Freedom: Incarceration for drug-related offenses can disrupt your life, separating you from family and friends and limiting your future opportunities9.
  2. Health Risks
    1. Overdose: Illicit drugs are often contaminated with substances like fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose and death10.
    1. Unregulated Dosages: Without medical supervision, the risk of taking incorrect dosages is high, leading to potential health complications and overdose10.

The Path to Recovery with StartBupe Services

At StartBupe Services, we offer a comprehensive MAT program that includes buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) treatment, counseling, and support. Our goal is to provide a safe and effective path to recovery, helping you avoid the legal and health risks associated with illicit drug use.

Why Choose StartBupe Services?

  • Immediate Access: Start your treatment today from the privacy of your own home.
  • Comprehensive Care: Our program includes medication, counseling, and support to address all aspects of addiction.
  • Legal and Safe: By receiving treatment through a legitimate medical provider, you avoid the legal risks associated with illicit drug use.

If you or a loved one is struggling with OUD, contact StartBupe Services at 704-246-4644 or at https://www.startbupe.com to start today. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way and ready to provide the comprehensive care you need to achieve lasting recovery.

Sources Used

1CRS on Opioid Regulation 

2American Addiction Centers on Possession Laws 

3ACSH on Morphine Milligram Equivalents 

4HHS on Opioid Conversion Factors 

5Filter on Law Enforcement and MAT 

6SAMHSA on Drug Courts 

7HHS on Drug Courts

8Addiction Resource on Legal Consequences

9ACLU on Incarceration and Opioids

10Brookings on Dangerous Drugs

Reviewed by a medical professional