I copied perscriptions and used them

I'm scared, how long will it take before the pharmacy finds out I copied perscriptions? It was on plan white paper, no protection paper that i noticed. I went to different pharmacies in different towns. I used different addresses on 3 of them. It was a prescription for phertermine. Total refilled 4. I just wanted to save up for the year. I do not why I did it. I never did this kind of thing before. I have a clean record, nothing. Why did I do this? Is there any one out there that can ease my mind. I will get help with some one. I just need to check with the hospital, on who would be best. I'm going to go nuts. How long will it take before I'm in the clear? If ever.

scaredut

[shiningstar500]

This doesn't sound too good. I think it varies by state so I am not sure if or when they will find out. I would get help ASAP!!!! Good luck, sorry I couldnt really answer!

[buggie1978]

Hello! I don't want to scare you,but I just got arrested a month after doing the same exact thing! I am now 35 days clean of Vicodin.... due to staying in jail for a day and seeing what mess I had caused my family...and most importantly MYSELF and MY LIFE! It took me getting caught to realize this and I knew it was my "rock bottom" and the only way out was to get clean and stay clean. It was pure he** for about 2 weeks,but I can honestly say that I feel soooo.... much better and am finally living a normal ,happy,free life..."drug free life"! I am just warning you, do not do it again,and do not pick up that next Rx because you will end up getting caught,and even if you get lucky a few times...your luck will def. run out and the police will catch up with you...trust me! For your sanity,do not put yourself through this again....I have learned the hard way and it is not fun in jail! I have never even had a speeding ticket in my life,so going to jail was the best and worst experience of my life...best because it made me realize what i have...and what I do not want to loose! If you need help,look up local NA meetings in your area,it has helped me so much! I wish you the very best of luck and please let me know if you need help at all! God bless!

[avisg]

I would contact a lawyer rite away .also If you want to get clean i would get a into a program Right away . With you forging and doing it multiple times in multiple pharmacies you have a very good chance of getting caught pharmacies have cameras so it does not matter if you used addresses . It could take a while for them to check up to u like months but most likely they will.talk to a lawyer's

[jessiekauai]

First of all, I would clearly admit to having a problem. I mean, it takes some big balls to do what you did. Trust me, I'm not judging you. Contact a lawyer, because it could be a while before you know you are in the clear...if at all. A lot of times, the DEA will take their time in making a case against people. Thankfully, I have never gone that far. If you want help, get into treatment. It will stop you from doing this kind of thing again, plus if/when you go to court, it will look like you are trying to get help for your addition. Good Luck.

[vicki595]

How long ago did you do this?   Did you use the same doctor's name?  You may have made it just difficult enough to get caught depending on the dates when they were filled.
I agree with calling an atty. just to ease your mind. Of course,you can never do this again and you need to get some help with your addiction.

It's really important to have an atty.  If the police DO show up at your door,say nothing.
They will have a search warrant,most likely,so be sure you have NOTHING in your house or car.

Get some help,okay?

[scaredut]

Thanks to you all, it helps to talk about it. I did pick up all the prescriptions 1 on the 20th of july, 1 on the 26th, 2 on the 29th, and 1 on the 4th of aug. I wonder if it would be smart to go to the OB dr. that wrote the prescription and tell her and let her know that I would be glad to give her the pills. She is a very understanding women and she might be able to help me. Besides i think she might be able to clear me if they catch me. It also might make me feel better. Also I live in Utah.

Scaredut

[dominosarah]

Are you pg also?  You mentioned the OB doc......

[scaredut]

Do they always call the dr for every prescription? I will get into a program for drug addition. This all happened this year july/aug. So do you think if I talked to the OB and started a drug program. It will look like I'm trying to fix it. I really know that I can do with out the drug, I just need to fix this mess I've put myself in.

scaredut

[tryntogetwell]

All you can do is try to talk to the Dr and see. She may be the one who can get you help with your problem also. I dont know how that would turn out but you could try it. And that way she could dispose of them properly. Should never flush anything. The water company said they are always having to add so much chlorine and other chemicals to keep our water safe! I didnt say I thought you would flush them. Just an fyi. Well good luck and keep us posted.

[scaredut]

No i'm not PG I'm 52 and just worried about weight loss. I went to the OB for my yearly and she gave me the prescription for weight loss.

[dominosarah]

Oh good lord and it says that in your profile!!!  Oops!!

[scaredut]

I'm just stupid, I really do not know why I did it. I thought all the pills would cover me for 10 months and I could lose alot of weight. Stupid! stupid! me.

scaredut

[Cris718]

This medicine is for weight loss??  I'm confused as to why you need so much?  Couldn't you just go back and get her to refill it when you got close to running out??

Cris~

[dominosarah]

You are not stupid scared.  Its like the rest of us here, we are good people, we have just made bad choices.

[scaredut]

I guess I did not want to go back every 2 months to get more. And if your blood press. is not in line they will not give it to you. I guess I just wanted a short cut. I think I am going to talk to OB dr. I'll keep you posted.

scaredut

[vicki595]

Hey~  I know you want to do the right thing here BUT when or if you get caught,the doctor won't be able to help you. It would be out of her hands and you would be prosecuted by the state of Utah.

The best thing for you to do is talk to a lawyer.  Also,in your state there's a drug program specific to rx forgery.  If you're caught and prosecuted, you'd be offered drug court and if you complete that program they will expunge the record. Try not to worry. Do your homework and call a lawyer.

Vicki

[pattifan]

Your doing the right thing by going to see your doctor.

She may be angry at first, that you've used her name, but she will understand. I'm sure it's not the first time it's happened to her.  This is so much better than waiting in fear for a call from the police.

If you've still got the pills, keep them and don't open them. Offer to give them back intact.  You could also offer to pay the cost of her time for extra consultations and prescriptions.  I'm sure she wont accept it but it's still a nice gesture and will help get her on your side.

Admitting what you've done and asking for help is a very brave thing to do. It's much better than the fear and may prevent you from getting into trouble.

Think about what you want to say to her and how you want to say it, then get in touch with her as soon as you can. It'll help put your mind at rest.

At the very least, if you do get into any trouble, it'll show you in a much better light.

Good luck and let us know how it all goes.

[vicki595]

It's not always wise to admit to something you haven't been accused of.  Especially when it's a federal offense.  Just saying...

[laurel453]

i don't understand,... is this phentermine  some stuff you can get addicted as with opiates , benzos or cocaine and need going to NA and a detox center ?

[vicki595]

Suni~  It's an amphetamine used for weight loss and it's addicting.  It's "speed".

xo

[laurel453]

ach sooo.... thanks, vicki :)

i thought that amphetamines were not used any more for weight loss !!!!

[vicki595]

Suni~  This one is sold under the name of Ionomin among others. It was an ingredient in Phen Fen,which has been taken off the market.   It's been around a long time.

[laurel453]

ty vicki !

[GA Guy]

Here's my suggestion...I would NOT talk to my doctor. You never admit to any crime..especially without legal council. If the lawyer says to tell her, then follow his advice. It's no better getting legal advice from this forum than getting medical advice. We're here for moral support...not legal advice. Talking to your doctor without council may be opening a BIG can of worms. I'd also suggest getting to some NA or AA meetings. Get a paper from the person there and document your meetings. It goes a LONG way if anything happens down the road.

[dominosarah]

I dont know what the outcome of the situation you are in will be but i all i do know is if you are going to pursue some sort of recovery care please do it for all the right reasons, not to just make it look good if you do get caught........sara

[scaredut]

Thanks sara i agree. I think all us need some kind of help. And going to these programs teach us not only, how to get of additions, but how to handle life in general. There is alot of things going on in the world today and we need to be prepared for what lies ahead.

scaredut

[pattifan]

Keep in touch and let us all online know what you decide to do. Try not to let that fear eat away at you.

Do you have a partner or friend you can confide in and who can provide you with some support?

There's a lot of support out here for you. I really hope it all works out well for you.

[scaredut]

So does any one know if pharmacies call the dr for all prescriptions, I guess im just wondering or just when they think it is questionable. I am waiting for my dr to call me, so I can tell her everything. I know she can help me and maybe tell what I should do at this point. I am looking at drug programs and im going to one thursday. thanks all.

scaredut

[scaredut]

I promise you I will never do this again. I can not believe I did it. So how did they catch you. Did they call the dr or was the paper copy proof? I was just wondering. I am waiting for my dr to get to the office on wednesday. I left a note for her to call me. So I hope this will ease my mind. You do not think she could turn me in?

scaredut

[10356]

yes she could turn you in.. have you spoke to a attorney for advice ? I would think it is in your best interest.  I'm glad you are checking into a rehab this alone will take you further in dealing with this. do not make any rash decisions without contacting a attorney first ok.. I wish you the very best outcome.. lesa

[vicki595]

Scaredut~

Pharmacies do not call the doctor for every prescription;they'd never close. They WILL call if something looks "off".  If they did that,you wouldn't have gotten the prescription.

You put a call in to your doctor??   It's your decision,I guess.  But,if the Feds DO know about this...your doctor cannot help you. It will be the state that will press charges.

The thing that will raise a red flag are the dates you filled these. This is usually discovered after the rx is filled and picked up.  They will question the doctor and then you. Doing this type of thing puts the doctor in a bad light as well. She may not be very happy if she finds out you did this. You put her license in jeopardy...

Good luck on Thursday..

[Titletown]

I am pretty sure that they only call the doctor if the drug is considered to be addictive in nature. If you have a refill on a script for high blood pressure and you walk into walgreens, normally they will do the refill right there without getting Dr. approval

[MyGem13]

Theyre right, it may take the DEA a while to build a case against you and you'll never know when theyre coming. They'll have a search warrant for sure.Talk to your doc and get into a treatment (inpaitent preferably) asap. Hope everything turns out the best for you.

[vicki595]

I don't mean to yell but...

DO NOT TELL YOUR DOCTOR THIS

SPEAK TO A LAWYER

[MyGem13]

lol, yes I mean talk to a lawyer first. The docotr could be in trouble too and she/he would certainly protect their own *** over yours.

[vicki595]

MyGem~~   Exactly....  LOL

[laurel453]

ok, i don't even have clear if you have a problem of addiction, do you ?

have you been abusing these pills prior to these events ?

when talking about losing weight, people do some crazy things ....

i would speak to a lawyer first thing..... do not do any thing unless it is under your lawyer's advice.

[vicki595]

Suni~ I'm not clear on that either !!    But,point in fact,she has the pills now so the fraud is the big problem at the moment.  

[laurel453]

sure, vicki, i agree 100 % with you !!..... the point is exactly that. and as you and others have said, scaredut, you need talking too a lawyer, don't talk to your doctor before, don't do anything before...you can not count on that your doctor is going to help you or the pharmacy is not going to call...too many ifs.... you need to know how to react and what steps you have to take from the worst scenario to the best one.

but as i said, i'm not even sure if you are addicted to them from your words and yet, you talked about going to recovery as something that can be good to any one..

[IBKleen]

Scaredut, this may sound strange to you, or even rude. It is not intended to be so please bear with me.

You committed a crime, no? While a victimless crime, it is one none the less. You knew it was wrong and after doing it your conscious got to it. Good to hear. Now you are being told to get into treatment, get a lawyer, etc., etc.

Do you think you have a drug problem and are you seeking treatment for it? Or, are you looking to duck from the law? Think about that seriously because if you do have a problem and you "get away" with this, you may just continue. If you own up to your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions, you may just get clean. This is just another perspective.

Either way, I wish you the best and hope you get through this.

[kajama]

well just from my experience, I called in prescriptions for almost a year, a year after I stopped I got a knock on my door from the police, they had camera tapes and a list of all the rx i called in, unfortunaly I didn't know what to do so I admitted everything to the police, they were really good though they let me turn myself in. In my case there is nothing the doctor can do to get you out of it. The pharmacy will contact police then it goes to the state. Nothing anyone can do. since the meds were picked up at walgreens but in 2 different towns, I am charged in both and been in court over 9 months. I also have no previous record, wife and mother of 3. We all do stupid things in life we just need to learn from them and move on. just take it one day at a time and pray all goes ok, lots of people have done this and some get caught and some don't. it my case I did, but doing the best i can to get through this. I hope everthing works out for you!

[dominosarah]

We could go on and on about the fraud that happened here but i think we should focus more on the mental aspect of what caused this and get her on the road to recovery.....sara

[lovinlyfe06]

Yes pharamacy call the dr for verification on every prescrition, to make sure something like this doesnt happen!!! i went to medical school and one of the guys that was in my class got a good job at a hospital but wrote himself a prescription and he was fired and looking at jail time!!!

[scaredut]

i guess i need to make it alittle more clear on where im at. I have been taking phertramine for the last 3 years on and off. So i do not know if im addited or not. I think i could just quit cold turkey with no problem. But why did i do such a stupid thing. I have been going to dr to get the prescriptions and i have never thought about copying them. I wish i could take it all back so bad. So i guess i should talk to a att. but i just look at the whole thing and think. Im guilty Why get a att. I DID IT, why waste money on one. Yes im hoping i will NOT get caught, but i do what to be prepared. I did put down my work address on the 1st one and the smiths pharmacy called to verify I worked there. Then around the same time frame a policeman came by and asked if I worked there. I was not there. And the manager told him I did work thre and gave him my phone number. That was on the 4th of aug. and i have not recieved a call from the police or any one else. I think that they called the dr and the dr said my address is this, but i put down my place of work instead of my personal address. So, why did they not call my cell phone? On all the prescriptions I put down my cell. Any way I hope this is not to confusing. I pickup the prescription on the 20th of july and they started checking on the 4th of aug. I guess that was when they got around to it, if they do checks on every prescription, or maybe they do not check all of the prescriptions. I've been thinking maybe if I had the money I could admit myself into a 15-30 day recovery program. And by the time I got back I would maybe know one way another whats going on.

scaredut

[tryntogetwell]

I think that would be a good idea. Besides, It has to be what you want anyways. Good luck to you. Im pulling for you.

[vicki595]

Okay. You're right and I see your point. You did it. But,you still need an atty. because they have started investigating. They went to your work place,spoke to the manager,he said you don't work there,but magically had your cell number.  You need that lawyer or wait until they arrest you and you go to court. They need to provide a public defender.

So,about your problem. This action is definitely an addictive behavior. You describe it perfectly. Do you think you need in patient treatment?  What about a therapist?  I would always suggest your doctor but you really can't bring this to her table. Do you have a primary care physician?  How long do you think you've ever gone without taking a pill?

Just throwing some questions out to get you thinking. You need to do something. This situation will eventually be over but you need to get to the cause of your action...

I'm sorry to say but if the police have your home address now they'll be stopping by. That's what they were doing on 8/4. They wanted to ask some questions in person.

Keep in touch..

[pattifan]

I really do feel so sorry for you. You're living in fear, you want to know what's going to happen and none of us can predict that. The fact that a policeman has visited your work is obviously a bad sign and you do need a lawyers advice.

The fact that you copied the prescriptions says to me that you do have a drug problem and need to see a doctor. Try to find out either personally, or through a doctor, what all the drug treatment options are in your area. I think you need this regardless of any action being taken against you.

Do you have anyone you can talk to in person about all this?

You're not the only person to have done this by a long way and it doesn't make you a bad person.

[LMB01]

When I went to treatment (the first time) I was given a Rule 25. I am not sure where you live or what the rules in your state are, but in the State of Minnesota, a Rule 25 is anyone seeking chemical depenedency treatment is eligable for federal fudning. It is worth checking out your state rules.

[LMB01]

PS, the same thing happened to me. I was caught with RX fraud, and then they got me with controled substance as well. I agree with the others, contact Att. I am grateful that I have a loving and supporting family (who have NO idea what addiction is, they don't suffer from the disease) who hired a criminal lawyer. As others have said, this is about recovery and staying clean, so I won't go on and on about that, but feel free to message me and I tell you what happened to me and how everything unfolded.

[scaredut]

I agree I do need to talk to some one. I just do not want to pay alot of money to a atty. They charge you like 100.00 per hour, even on the phone. Maybe a family dr would be a good idea. I'll do some searching and get back to ya. by the way on my last comment when the police came to work. The manager told him I DID work there. I think they were just making sure I was not giving a bogus address, when the called the dr, they gave my home address. Maybe they have not called me because it was ok to give my work address since it was 2 blocks from smiths. by the way i live in Utah.

scaredut

[scaredut]

What kind of atty, do I look for?

[vicki595]

Criminal

[LMB01]

The police showed up at my MOM's working looking for me.
They found out where she worked and went there. How embarrassing.

Yes, criminal for sure.

[avisg]

yes criminal because well it is and a federal crime as well ..

[kajama]

I was told over and over again to find an attorney but I could not afford one, but when I got caught and went to court the first time they determine if you can't afford one and appoint one to you. I went into treatment before they caught me and it has helped me so far.  Even though I told cops everything (which do not do) I was still advised by my attorney to plead not guilty. It is confusing to me but all I can do is concentrate on my recovery and pray for the best. If the cops want you they will find you, they might just be watching now seeing if you do anymore. It is considered a felony and they charge you for each rx that was picked up.

[pattifan]

Thinking of you.

How are you getting on today?

Keep in touch.

[scaredut]

I'm still going crazy, I went to the group today. It was ok. I found a lawyer but have not set up an appointment. He offers 1 free consultation. I'm scared to set it up until I hear back from the dr. I left a message for the dr to call me, tuesday. No word back from her yet .She is either really busy or she knows why i'm calling. I thought if she called me I would ask if she know what I am calling about, and if she says, yes, I'll spill my guts and tell her sorry. And that I will not involve her in any of this. And then call the atty. ASAP. IF for some reason she has no Idea why i'm call, I'll ask her question about how I can handle my  going through menipuse. Every day this goes on is driving me nuts. I can not live this way. So If I do not her from the dr by 4:30. I will call the atty and set up the appointment. So that I'm covered when it happens. And I will contunue to go to meetings every week.

[scaredut]

good news for me, the dr called me and she had no idea why i called. that means that she does not know what i did yet. So, i'm thinks i'm still ok. I will throw the pills out. so they are not an issue. When I go to atty, i'm worried he is going to tell me to turn myselft in. What do you guys think? Do I do what he wants me to do? or wait tell they come for me and contact him?

scaredut

[pattifan]

If you have a free consultation with the lawyer I would take it. I doubt he will advise you to turn yourself in, but he can perhaps explain some different options for you.

Even if he did advise you to turn yourself in, you don't have to accept that advice. Lawyers are also bound by rules of confidentiality so he wouldn't turn you in either. A discussion with him may help to put things in perspective and set your mind at rest a bit.

If you intend going cold turkey be sure and read all the other similar posts on the list so you can be sure you are doing it properly and safely.

My personal favourite aids to withdrawal are the natural amino acid 5HTP which calms you right down, and Valerian Tincture which calms you and helps you sleep. Both are safe and non-habit forming and can be bought either from good health food stores or on-line.

There are many other aids which are described elsewhere in the list.

It may be tough for you for a little while but it WILL be well worth it in the longer term.

I really do feel for you, as fear is one of the most horrible and destructive emotions, but this will not go on for ever. There will be light at the end of the tunnel

You are very brave so stick with it!

[MyGem13]

Do you think the Dr. would tell you if she knew? I really think that the pharmacy called the doc and possibly other pharmacys too. Then the police were called to investigate. They most likely are getting all the  evidence they can and since its hippa related it may take awhile to get subpoenas/warrants to retrieve videos of you picking up, dropping off the scripts. As well as copies of the scripts...and background info on any other previous scripts.  Im sorry, Im not trying to scare you but since the police allready came to your place of employment-they are on to something. Call that attorney, your doctor would lose her license if she was caught digging you out of this. Dont wait, go see that attny asap!

[Mikeinthesouth]

It sounds as if you are still wondering if they are on to you by the way it sounds to me they are or the police would not be checking your address just for the pharmacy's records dear. I would do as all are telling you contact a lawyer and he might tell you to go to the police but wait for that from the attorney. This is a major thing in your life and will take awhile to get out of it but you will as long as you try to take care of the problem that got you in this situation. I would think a doctor would most likely have to turn you in for that it is a felony as far as I know. My prayers for the best thing to happen for you in this situation.

[vicki595]

scared~   I wouldn't get to cozy with that "good news". Just as you called the doctor to "feel her out",she may have returned your call for the same reason.  

A lawyer won't tell you to turn yourself in. Heaven's no.  

I'm glad you got rid of the pills.

[scaredut]

Just when i have a appointment with the atty. I got the bad news today. A police officer called me and wanted to meet with me. I told him I needed to talk to lawyer and he asked me a few questions. He seemed really nice and said that he wanted to arrest me when we meet. He felt sorry for me think and said he would give me a few days to talk to atty. and tell my family. He was going to be out of town until next wednesday morning and that I could have my lawyer with me or not when I meet him. I was lucky to be able to get a hold my lawyer today. And he said he was talk to the officer and see if he would just issue a summons and not to arrest me. He did get a hold the the officer and was able to convince him to not arrest me. The lawyer told me that when i see wthe officer, i should tell him the truth and admit I refilled the prescriptions.

I am going to meet the atty monday at 5:00 and tell him every thing so we are prepared for the hearing. So is there any thing that will be helpful when talking to the police officer or lawyer? Please comment. I want to say the right thing. I throw out all the meds. so i can get into a program to help me with drug and with my low self esteem.

Scaredut

[scaredut]

So, if I go in and tell them the truth, can they still come out and search my house? I just do not want them to tear my house apart. I got the drugs out, so thats not any problem. I just do not any more stress. I wish I know what the judges is going to do. No record not even driving ticket. I even started a recovery program and admitted to every thing. Is there a large fine? The lawyer is going to cost me 2500.00. I live in utah and I do not know if this really common in utah, because of all the mormon house wifes under stress to perfect.

scaredut

[pattifan]

I know it seems a long time to wait for reassurance, but your lawyer on Monday will be able to tell you far more than anyone on the list can, and I'm sure he'll coach you on what to say to the police officer as well.

From what you say, that the police officer has agreed not to arrest you I think it's very unlikely that you'll get your house searched. They would only apply for a search warrant if they needed evidence to build a charge, but since they already know how many pills you received so they don't need them as evidence.

My guess would be that given you've been open and honest and haven't denied the charge, that you've admitted to having a drug problem, that you've started treatment and that this is first offence, they'll be as lenient on you as they are possibly able to be.

They may simply make an order that you complete your recovery programme.

I have known the same fear you have now, and the end result is usually a lot better than you feared.

Take care.

[LMB01]

Hi Scared-
I received your post, I am sorry I didn't reply earlier. I did reply to you, in detail how my charges turned out, the judge etc. Did you receive the message? If not, please let me know and I will resend it to you. It was long and I figured that I would just send in  as a msg instead of posting.

I've been thinking about you and sending positive energy ans thoughts your way!

[scaredut]

Sorry to all about not letting you know the out come in my case. After talking to the police officer. He told me to go to the utah county jail and do a sign in. Meaning have picture taken and finger printing. I was not arrested, just put into the their system as drug felony charge. After going to court with my attny 4 times, they put me on plea and abancyance for 2 years or sooner if I do every thing they ask me to do in the adult probation program. After checking in there around September 20, 2010, I have been going ever since. In May they tried to release me from the program, because it was clear to them I was not a problem person and did not use drugs. When they talked to the courts, they said that I needed to still be on the program for at  least (1) year. Bad news I could have been done by the end of May 2010. But no. My TRC officer help me by not making me come in every week. But just every 4 Months and stopped the drug testing every week. So I have been going in every 4 months and testing one time during our visit. So my last time will be December 14th. Then he will call the courts and hopfully let me off. At that point I guess I have to go to all the Police, county and state agencies to have my name removed from there systems. I have really larned a lesson. But I do agree I have learned alot of good information in the classes they had every week, including AA and Aduction programs.