Have you seen all the news reports on “Pharm Parities” recently?  These parties are small groups of gathered kids/teens who have collected an assortment of prescription pills – usually stolen from their parents or bought on the black market.  Many different scenarios; to get into the party, they have to have supply, or they might dump all the pills in a bowl and will roll dice; whatever number they roll, they take that  many pills with a drink, or as a person arrives at the party, they just grab handfuls, like candy. The pills are a mix of pain medication, blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, ADD and ADHD medication, Xanax, Anti-depressants, Vicodin, and Oxycontin   Doesn’t matter, anything will do — and they almost never pay attention to a doctor’s advice of what can be mixed with what.

This is frightening news, but the news stories can’t quantify how many of these parties actually take place, it has become impossible to say how popular they are.  It could be rampant in Ohio, but we don’t know for sure.  There is more fear out there though, and with that fear come crackdowns.  These crackdowns help people who have been afraid of any given hot topic feel like the government and law enforcement agencies  are doing something about the alleged problems.

Penalties for possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription vary. If being convicted for a first offense, it will usually be a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable with up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. Possessing more, however, may lead to greater charges. If your child has been arrested for prescription drug charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help make a difference in how those charges turn out.

These “Pharm Parties” are dangerous and deadly.  Parents need to be on it, and vigilant about where their kids are and where their own prescription drugs are.  It would be best to lock your drugs up – your teen may not want them, but their “visiting” friends may.  And, they find them.  Believe me.  This is a hot topic right now, so expect many of those crackdowns.  There will be more arrests and real consequences.

The Bottom Line:  Teens will always try to fit in, no matter the outcome. They are kids. When they are faced with a criminal charge, the legal impact can be significant and life changing.  The charges can be serious; the future of the child is impacted by every legal decision.  Protect your child’s future opportunities for education, employment and life.  One bad decision during a child’s  teenage years, should not be a showstopper. Call me, I can help.  513-260-2099