While the list of drugs is continually being updated (and each state can have its own list), there are five basic classifications, or schedules, of drugs:
Since 1970 the United States has maintained the Controlled Substance Act in an effort to protect the general public from potentially dangerous and addictive drugs. Controlled substances give the government a way to organize and categorize different drugs, based on their tendency to be addictive or on their potential to harm the general public.
SCHEDULE 1 DRUGS
Schedule 1 drugs have no accepted medical use in the United States, and using schedule 1 drugs can put a person at a high risk for developing a substance use disorder. Some familiar drugs assigned a schedule 1 class include:
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- LSD
- Marijuana
- Peyote
SCHEDULE 2 DRUGS
Using schedule 2 drugs can also put a person at a high risk for developing a substance use disorder. This class of drugs includes both illicit and prescription drugs.
However, it’s important to note that when an individual takes prescription schedule 2 drugs as directed and under a doctor’s supervision, their risk for developing a substance use disorder is minimized. Some familiar drugs in the schedule 2 class include:
- Cocaine
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Hyrdomorphone (Dilaudid)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Fetanyl
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Adderall
- Ritalin
SCHEDULE 3 DRUGS
Using schedule 3 drugs puts a person at a lower risk for developing a substance use disorder than schedule 1 and 2 drugs but at a higher risk than schedule 4 and 5 drugs. Medical providers often prescribe schedule 3 drugs for illnesses, injuries, and other health-related reasons. Some familiar drugs in the schedule 3 class include:
- Ketamine
- Anabolic steroids
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Codeine and hydrocodone products mixed with aspirin or acetaminophen
SCHEDULE 4 DRUGS
Drugs that are classified as schedule 4 are often prescribed medications, and when a person uses schedule 4 drugs, they are at a very low risk for developing a substance use disorder. Some familiar drugs in the schedule 4 class include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepan (Ativan)
SCHEDULE 5 DRUGS
Schedule 5 drugs are also generally prescribed medications, and people have a lower risk for developing a substance use disorder when they use schedule 5 drugs than when they use schedule 4 drugs. Some familiar drugs in the schedule 5 class include:
- Cough medicines with codeine
- Ezogabine
OTHER DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS
The schedule of drugs refers primarily to a drug’s accepted medical use and the likelihood that a drug will cause a person to develop a substance use disorder. Drugs are also classified by their chemical makeup and the way they interact with the brain and body.
Some common classifications include:
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Narcotics
- Steroids
- Stimulants