{"id":371332,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-heroin-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-08T08:41:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:41:17","slug":"alabama-heroin-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-heroin-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Penalties for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alabama Penalties for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioids<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Alabama approaches legal crises related to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. As these challenges arise, the state provides legal sanctions to mitigate the issue.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines drug regulations in Alabama. It explains how Alabama laws categorize controlled substances and the corresponding penalties associated with the possession and sale of these drugs.<\/p>\r\n

The Opioid Crisis in Alabama<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Opioids are substances that attach to the opioid receptors in the human brain\u2019s reward center. It then diminishes the person’s pain and induces the feeling of euphoria and relaxation. This type of drug includes heroin and painkillers such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.<\/p>\r\n

But despite its medical use, Alabama is also fighting against the severe opioid crisis. According to the 2023 Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council\u2019s report<\/a>, the state recorded 1,408 overdose deaths in 2021. Out of this number, 70% or 981 deaths were caused by opioids. The state also acknowledged the alarming rise of fentanyl use as fentanyl-related deaths rose from 121 in 2018 to 835 in 2022.<\/p>\r\n

Despite the state\u2019s efforts to reduce opioid prescriptions, Alabama continues to have one of the highest opioid dispensing rates per capita<\/a> in the country. In 2020, there were 80.4 prescriptions in every 100 persons in 2020. The national average rate of opioid prescription was 43.3 per 100 people in 2020.<\/p>\r\n

In response, Alabama has implemented various efforts to fight this drug crisis. One of these efforts is expanding naloxone distribution. In 2023, the state distributed more than 51,000 naloxone kits. Alabama also focused on improving access to treatment and enhancing data collection.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Alabama\u2019s Drug Schedules<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Alabama drug schedule closely resembles the federal structure. It categorizes controlled substances into five schedules<\/a>. The laws categorize these substances based on the accepted medical use and their potential for drug abuse.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule I drugs include those that have no approved medical use and are considered the most dangerous. Included under this schedule are LSD (lysergic acid) and heroin. Meanwhile, Schedule V has recognized medical use and the lowest potential for drug abuse. This includes medications with low amounts of codeine and other narcotic mixtures.<\/p>\r\n

It is also important to note that despite the changing laws in other states, Alabama maintains a strict classification for marijuana<\/a> (cannabis) as it remains a Schedule I substance. Any possession of marijuana, use, or cultivation of it is a crime and subjects the person to prison time, fines, or both.<\/p>\r\n

State Drug Classifications<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Alabama law categorizes controlled substances into five categories called \u201cschedules.\u201d The schedule ranges<\/a> from I to V. The schedule is sorted based on their risk for drug abuse, likelihood of physical or psychological dependence, and medical use.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule I:<\/b><\/p>\r\n