The United States has established rigorous guidelines to ensure people receive the correct dose and the proper quantity of prescription drugs. After all, with the current problems with opioid addiction and marijuana use drifting through our country, officials are more than happy to place restrictions on potentially dangerous or illegal substances. Chances are when you visit your doctor’s office or a pharmacy, you may hear the term “scheduling.” Have you ever thought about what that means for you and the people you know? If you do not already know, let’s take a closer look and see.
What is Scheduling?
Simply put, scheduling is the process of determining which medicines, drugs, and toxins must be controlled and which ones do not have to be. In other words, certain substance falls into a specific “schedule” based on what level of threat each could pose to patients. Less dangerous medications typically require less control than higher grade drugs. Please note that illegal substances still fall under a higher category of schedule, even though these drugs are not regulated by pharmacies or the DEA.
Counting Schedules
Based on DEA guidelines, the following schedules have been set for drugs and chemicals:
- Schedule I: drugs not currently regulated by the DEA (ex: heroin, LSD, ecstasy, meth, and peyote)
- Schedule II: drugs that have a high potential for addiction and chemical dependency(ex: Vicodin, cocaine, methamphetamine, Demerol, OxyContin, Adderall, and Ritalin)
- Schedule III: drugs with a mild potential for addiction and chemical dependence (ex: Tylenol-codeine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone)
- Schedule IV: drugs that have a low potential for addiction and chemical dependency (ex: Xanax, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Ambien, and Tramadol)
- Schedule V: drugs with an extremely low potential for addiction and chemical dependency that may contain traces of narcotics (ex: Robitussin AC, Lomotil, and Lyrica)
Likewise, some medications may fall under the category of “not scheduled.” These may include over the counter medications (excluding Sudafed) that do not require a prescription. Keep in mind, however, that certain illegal drugs fall into this category as well.
For a full listing of controlled substances, review the official DEA list.
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
