One of the most common public health problems is drug addiction. In the United States, there are over 20 million drug addicts or former drug users. Drug addiction and substance use disorder have been a factor in health issues, vehicular accidents, family breakdowns, incarceration rates, and disease problems. Drugs affect society in significant ways such as child abuse, domestic violence, loss of employment, problems in education, and impact on health and productivity.

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Five Classifications of Drugs

Drug classifications or schedules are distinct categories or rating of drugs that determine its dependency potential when abused. It also confirms the safety of the drugs and its legitimate medical application if there is any. The drug classification is used by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in line with the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 (CSA), a law regulating production, selling, and how drugs may be used in the United States.

Schedule I Controlled Substances

Drugs, substances, or chemicals with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use are classified as Schedule 1, as defined by the federal government. Drugs under this classification cause potentially severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule 1 drugs are the most dangerous of all drug classifications.

Examples:

• Heroin – an opioid drug made from morphine. Heroin is a highly addictive depressant drug.

• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) – a psychedelic drug that alters the state of consciousness.

• Marijuana – dried flowers and/or leaves of a cannabis plant which contains cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• Methylenedioxymethamphetamine – also known as ecstasy. It is a synthetic drug which also changes the state of consciousness. Chemically, it is similar to stimulants and hallucinogens creating a feeling of pleasure and energy.

• Peyote – a hallucinogenic drug containing mescaline, from peyote cactus.

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Schedule II Controlled Substances (2/2N)

Drugs, substances, or chemicals defined as Schedule 2 drugs have a high potential for abuse, yet less abuse potential than Schedule 1 drugs. Still, these drugs are also considered dangerous.

Examples:

• Adderall – an addictive prescription stimulant that works by increasing the dopamine levels in the brain.

• Dexedrine – it has a recognized medical use for treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dexedrine has a high potential for drug abuse.

• Fentanyl – a depressant drug. It is a synthetic opioid with a similar effect of heroin and morphine but is more potent.

• Methamphetamine – a highly addictive stimulant drug that greatly affects the central nervous system.

• Methadone – similar in its morphine effect, methadone is a synthetic opioid which is prescribed for treating heroin and dependency. Methadone is a high potential for abuse.

Schedule III/IIIN Controlled Substances (3/3N)

Schedule 3 drugs, substances, or chemicals are categorized with low to moderate potential for physical or high psychological dependence. Drugs under this classification have a potential abuse that is less than Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 drugs.

Examples:

• Anabolic steroids – often abused to boost physical performance or improve the physical appearance. Anabolic steroids are the synthetic form of testosterone.

• Ketamine – people abuse ketamine to get high as it produces hallucinogenic effects. It is medically used as an anesthetic.

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Schedule IV Controlled Substances

Drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence are classified as Schedule 4 drugs. Drugs, substances, or chemicals under Schedule 4 have many legitimate medical applications.

Examples:

• Ativan – known to cause a calming effect, Ativan is medically used to treat anxiety.

• Ambien – Ambien is a sedative drug use to treat insomnia.

• Darvocet – contains propoxyphene and acetaminophen, Darvocet is used as a pain reliever.

• Soma – is medically used to treat skeletal muscle pain or injury. This drug work by blocking the pain sensations between the brain and the nerves. Soma is a high potential for abuse and is addictive.

Schedule V Controlled Substances

Drugs, substances, or chemicals with lower potential for abuse than Schedule 4 (IV) are classified as Schedule 5 drugs. These drugs are generally used for analgesic, antidiarrheal, and antitussive purposes.

Examples:

• Lyrica – an anti-seizure drug for the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy, nerve pain, and fibromyalgia.

• Lomotil – use for treating acute diarrhea.

• Motofen – also used for treating diarrhea and as a pain reliever.

• Parepectolin – another antidiarrheal drug.

The United States treats drug addiction as a serious issue for public health. It has become a major hurdle in treating drug addiction such as providing access to appropriate care, population increase in prison for cases of drug abuse, racial and socio-economic inequality. National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) provided the list of drugs under each drug schedule as per stated on the Control Substance Act (CSA).

The list is updated yearly in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations from section 1308.11 through 1308.15. Government increases their focus on drug abuse and trafficking, however, the rates for abusing drugs remained relatively stable for over the past 25 years. Understanding the drug classification provides awareness and helps in identifying drugs to further hold and prevent the cause of addiction and drug abuse. Whether for personal use or sale, carrying prohibited drugs is considered a federal offense and poses a severe penalty to violators.

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