Drug use may have a negative impact on your mind and body, eroding your quality of life. If an Alabama police officer observes you driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, you may be charged with a crime. You may also be at a higher risk of harming yourself or others in other ways as drug use may cause paranoia or otherwise alter your perception of reality.
Your body chemistry changes
Using opioids for more than a few days often results in chemical changes inside of your body. In other words, your body depends on the substance to function properly. Furthermore, as your addiction progresses, you’ll need to use more of them to get the same effect. Depending on your level of dependence on opioids, you may find that going even a few hours without a pill or injection might result in severe shaking, hallucinations or body aches.
The addiction chooses for you
Prior to becoming addicted to any type of drug, you may have been passionate about your job or your role as a parent. However, as addiction takes over, it generally decides what you’re passionate about. Eventually, you may find that you’re skipping date night with your spouse to get high or skipping your child’s game to buy drugs. You may even be tempted to skip a court date related to recent drug violations to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A conviction for possessing or using drugs may result in a lengthy prison sentence or other penalties. However, for a first offense, you may be given an opportunity to participate in a drug rehabilitation program. It may also be possible to cast doubt on the case against you to obtain an acquittal.