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Users or concerned friends and family members can find out
more about drugs and how to get help through discussions with
their physicians or with community organizations that specialize
in such help. In most cases, a physician will want to evaluate
the extent of dependence or addiction in order to determine
the best treatment approach. During this stage of investigation
and seeking help, it is important for all involved to obtain
as much information as possible about the drugs being used,
how they work, what effects they have, and how to begin treatment.
Supporters of the withdrawing user need to be armed with as
much information as possible.
Many community organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous,
can offer advice and assistance for alcohol treatment and
other drug problems as well. Schools and employers often also
have referral programs to help the user escape the clutches
of his drug of choice. A call to a health insurance provider
or local hospital can also lead to good treatment programs.
The important thing is that, once an addict admits the problem
and asks for help, time is of the essence. If immediate help
is not provided, the addict may give up in despair and plunge
deeper into addiction, which will most certainly lead to eventual
death.
Drug testing is becoming the norm, even in schools. The
U.S. Supreme Court has, for the most part, supported the rights
of companies, schools, and governmental departments to require
drug testing. Several useful books involving the various laws
can be found by going to:
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1579510086/ Other information
about Canadian and United States Laws, particularly regarding
marijuana, can be found at Norml. The codified U.S. laws can
be found at: www.4law.cornell.edu/uscode/21/ch13 and the harsh
Rockefeller U.S. laws can be found at: www.lindesmith.org/library/focal8.html.
Laws are constantly changing and courts are likewise constantly
upholding or ruling against laws. Testin.com does not offer
legal advice, and we do not recommend attorneys or professional
legal clinics. If you are in legal trouble as a result of
drug dependence or abuse, see Getting Legal Help, below.
If you are reading this section, you are talking about a
real serious issue that you shouldn't be lazy about. Your
rights and, possibly your freedom, are at stake. Forget the
jokes. A good attorney can explain the legalities of your
situation to you, and the probable outcomes of certain courses
of action that you might take. He or she can give you solidly
helpful advice to guide you through the countless laws and
federal or state regulations that might apply to your case.
If prosecutors have accused you of a crime, if you have been
arrested, or if law enforcement officers are question you
about a crime or your involvement in a possible crime, you
need an attorney, right now. Many attorneys specialize in
one type of law. You want to hire an attorney who is experienced
in the type of problem or problems that you face. And, you
want an attorney who has some record of success in dealing
with problems like yours.
Friends or relatives may know of attorneys who have expertise
in problems like yours. Another source of lawyers is the local
county or State Bar Association. They will usually give you
a list of three or more lawyers who specialize in your type
of case. You would be wise to call all three and to ask for
their traditional one hour of free consultation. During that
period, you can explain your situation and ask them questions
about their training, knowledge, expertise, and successes
in dealing with such matters. You have the right to interview
prospective lawyers just as if you were shopping for a car.
You can then make up your mind as to who you can afford and
who provides the best choice for a lawyer to represent you
in dealing with your particular situation.
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