Beginning in the 1970s, the United States government began to utilize the Controlled Substance Act. The Controlled Substances Act or CSA established federal policy regulating the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain drugs. The goal of the act is to protect the public from drugs that could be dangerous and addictive. Drugs are categorized based on various factors, including their addictive potential and ability to cause harm when used or misused. Currently, controlled substances are divided into five different classes.
The Five Classes of Drugs Explained
The Controlled Substance Act categorizes drugs into five classes or “schedules.” The schedules range from one to five, and drugs are placed in each category based on their use, addiction potential, and typical medical use. Some drugs are also categorized based on how their chemical compounds interact with the brain and body of the user.
Schedule 1 Drugs
Schedule 1 drugs are those that have no official (or legal) medical use in the United States. There are over 100 schedules 1 drugs, including opiates, opium derivatives, hallucinogens, and some depressants and stimulants. Schedule 1 drugs are considered the highest risk drugs and can put users at high risk for developing a substance use disorder (addiction). Drugs that are considered schedule 1 include Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, and Peyote. Although legal in many states, Marijuana also remains categorized as a schedule 1 drug.
Schedule 2 Drugs
Schedule 2 drugs are also high risk. Unlike schedule 1 drugs, which are generally illicit (illegal), schedule 2 drugs may be prescription or illicit. Although your risk for developing a substance use disorder is reduced if a prescribed medication is taken as directed, your risk for developing an addiction to a schedule 2 drug is enhanced when the drug is misused or taken for an extended time. Some well-known schedule 2 drugs include Morphine, Cocaine, OxyContin, Fentanyl, Demerol, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ritalin, and Adderall.
Schedule 3 Drugs
Schedule 3 drugs are not without addiction risk; however, the risk level is lower than that of schedule 1 or schedule 2 drugs. Your medical provider often prescribes schedule 3 drugs to manage illness, injuries, and other medical conditions. Commonly prescribed schedule 3 drugs include Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Buprenorphine (Suboxone), and Codeine.
Schedule 4 Drugs
Schedule 4 drugs are medications typically prescribed to treat various medical and mental health conditions. These drugs are categorized as schedule 4 due to a low risk for developing a substance use disorder. Drugs that are a part of this class include Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Alprazolam (Xanax).
Schedule 5 Drugs
Schedule 5 drugs have the least addictive risk. In general, these medications are also prescribed by your primary care provider. The most well-known drug in this class is cough medications that contain codeine.
How to Get Help With a Drug or Alcohol Addiction
If you or a loved one struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction, it is essential to seek help from a professional addiction treatment facility like Cal Recovery. Depending on the severity of your addiction, and the substance or substances you use, you may experience withdrawal if you try to reduce or stop using. Choosing a treatment center like Cal Recovery can help you detox safely and successfully. Once detox is complete, you can transition into a therapeutic treatment program to begin your journey towards overcoming addiction.
Contact our admissions team today if you would like to learn more about our Roseville, CA treatment center and how our addiction treatment programs can help you get well. Let us work with you to design a comprehensive treatment program that focuses on your unique treatment needs and goals.
