9781422281314

Drug Schedules

I n the United States, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 estab- lished five categories, or “schedules,” of drugs. All pharmeceuti- cals—from ordinary prescription drugs to dangerous narcotics—are included on one of the following schedules: • Schedule I controlled substances are considered to have no accepted medical use while also having a high potential for abuse. Examples include ecstasy, heroin, LSD, and marijuana. • Substances on schedule II and III can be prescribed to treat medical conditions, but they are considered to have a rela- tively high potential for abuse or addiction. Schedule II includes both narcotics (such as morphine and codeine) and and stimulants (amphetamines and methamphetamine). Cocaine, which is sometimes used in certain medical proce- dures, is a schedule II drug. • Schedule III includes products that contain multiple drugs, such as Tylenol with codeine, as well as anabolic steroids. • Schedule IV and V controlled substances are drugs that have a medicinal purpose but have a relatively low potential for abuse or addiction. Schedule IV drugs include sleep aids like Xanax, anti-anxiety drugs like Valium, and muscle relaxants like Klonopin. Schedule V drugs include some types of cough syrup that contain several controlled substances. The Controlled Substances Act established penalties that include heavy fines and imprisonment for the illegal sale or use of drugs.

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Drugs