There is a lot in the news about opioid and fentanyl addiction, and it can have people who take painkillers on a regular basis start to wonder about their own personal use. Painkillers can be a great medical tool, but when abused they have the potential to cause harm to you and to others around you. This can be the case if you are driving and under the influence of certain substances.
The Difference Between Pain Relievers and Painkillers
People commonly refer to common over the counter medications such as Naproxen, ibuprofen, and Tylenol as painkillers. However, these types of medications are actually pain relievers and are a far cry from the type of painkillers that can get you into trouble. Painkillers on the other hand usually reference drugs that contain synthetic or semi-synthetic opiates such as fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. According to Frank, “generally speaking, normal pain killers that are over the counter will not get you in trouble whereas those that contain opiates and require a prescription have the ability to.”
Which Substances Are Controlled Substances in Florida?
Controlled substances can include both illicit and prescription drugs. In Florida the opioid crisis is out of control as more and more people find themselves addicted to painkillers. Once they are addicted, they turn to illicit drugs to help satisfy their opioid addiction. The longer one continues to abuse opioids, the higher the dose they crave. This leads people to try fentanyl in an attempt to get the same high that less potent painkillers used to give. According to The Recovery Village, “fentanyl can be as much as 50 times stronger than heroin making fentanyl addiction especially dangerous. Under no circumstance can a person drive on fentanyl.”
Penalties for DUI
Florida state lawdefines a DUI as driving while under the under the influence of chemical substances, controlled substances, or alcoholic beverages. This means that if you are pulled over while using controlled substances you will be charged with a DUI. If this is your first DUI, you will face fines as high as $1,000, up to six months in jail although some may be suspended if you complete a substance abuse program or complete probation, license suspension for six months, and 50 hours of community service. If this is your first DUI and you have a clean record, then you may be given a reduced punishment. On the other hand, if a minor is in the vehicle with you or you cause an accident that results in injury your sentence may be much heavier. Any subsequent DUI convictions will result in much harsher sentences. If you are convicted of a DUI a fourth time it becomes a third-degree felony.
Getting Good Representation
As you can see, a DUI charge is a very serious accusation. In Florida a DUI conviction will remain on your record for 75 years; essentially the rest of your life. An aggressive DUI defense attorney can help you fight the charge and help you avoid maximum sentencing limits.
This information can be helpful in distinguishing the difference between painkillers and pain relievers and the penalties of driving while using controlled substances. However, if you are accused of a DUI, the very first phone call you make should be to your lawyer.
Author Harper Harmon is a freelance writer and blogger who focuses on business, health and other various topics. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from UCLA and currently resides in Santa Cruz with her dog, Sassy.
