Many people suffer from substance abuse issues that lead them to consume illegal drugs. Persons addicted to meth, heroin, cocaine and other Schedule I drugs might suffer health and legal troubles. Even after dealing with numerous problems in their lives and with the Texas legal system, substance abusers will continue to use drugs. Several factors might underly why they do not quit.
Continued use of drugs
When someone uses drugs, they may develop an addiction. A drug’s effects on brain chemistry could make quitting virtually impossible and potentially dangerous without supervised care. Those suffering from addiction might try to quit drugs, but the physical withdrawal may become unbearable. As such, numerous substance abusers will continue to use drugs or alcohol despite all the problems they suffer.
Using drugs may impair someone’s potential to perceive the troubles associated with negative outcomes. Positive and negative outcomes are part of the learning process. When someone experiences something unpleasant or harmful, they might develop a negative outcome perspective, meaning they won’t try to repeat the dangerous behavior. Persons caught up in their addictions may not see their situation from a negative outcome perspective, so they repeat the behavior. Such repeated behavior might get them into trouble with the law eventually.
Legal issues
Drug charges in Texas could be felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the law violated. People arrested on misdemeanor drug charges may avoid incarceration through a diversion program if eligible. Some charges might be serious, such as possession with intent to distribute. A person charged with felony counts might face many years in prison if convicted.
Defenses for drug charges vary. A defense strategy might show someone did not possess drugs illegally or at all. Other strategies might involve suppressing evidence, as in the case when the police violate a suspect’s rights.