Drug addiction is a tough thing to beat. Anyone who has suffered through it knows that it's a lifelong battle. People struggling with addiction need continued support to stay on the right track.

The coronavirus pandemic has been making it much more difficult for those in recovery to stick with the lifestyle that best protects them from relapsing. Whether that's an actual treatment program or surrounding themselves with supportive friends and family, or a combination thereof, social distancing has created an additional strain for everyone.

South Carolina emergency services has reported an increase in drug overdose calls since the pandemic began. According to WISTV news, drug overdoses are up due to Covid-19 because recovering drug addicts feel isolated at home, which has made it harder for them to stay on the wagon. Isolation leads to loneliness and depression, which can make it easier to lose ground in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

If you slip, you automatically place yourself in jeopardy of being arrested for buying or possessing drugs. Given that fewer people are out and about due to stay-at-home orders, you may also draw more attention to yourself by frequenting certain areas in search of drugs.

If you are arrested, the faster you seek legal help the better off you'll be. A good criminal defense attorney will help the prosecutor understand that you have been in recovery, and suffered under the stress of the pandemic. As part of a potential plea negotiation, you may also get the help that you need to get back on board with a treatment program.

For those thinking of throwing away their recovery because they lack the crucial support they need right now, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) offers 24 hour recovery counseling services online and through Telehealth technology.

Limited immunity is available for some users afraid to seek help

Currently under South Carolina law, individuals who overdose on drugs can be prosecuted for drug charges, unless you fit within the exception under South Carolina Code Section 44-53-1930, and the evidence was obtained as a result of seeking medical care for the drug overdose. In other words, you have a limited amount of immunity from prosecution because the state recognizes those who overdose may not seek lifesaving medical care if they fear going to prison.

New bill seeks to crack down on drug dealers in South Carolina

If you are charged with dealing drugs in South Carolina, you are already facing serious consequences if convicted. A new bill that lawmakers are trying to pass would escalate your charge to homicide if one of your customers dies from an overdose of the drugs you supplied.

Holland Law, LLC provides the tough legal representation that you need when facing drug charges that can take away your freedom and alter the path of your entire life. Tom Holland provides aggressive representation that will help ensure that you don't get saddled with a harsh sentence that could have been avoided. To discuss your options for legal representation for a drug arrest, schedule your consultation in either of Mr. Holland's offices conveniently located in Fort Mill on Gold Hill Road, or Rock Hill on Oakland Avenue by calling 803-219-2630, or feel free to reach out to him through his contact page.