Drugs and chemicals are separated into five classifications based on a variety of factors. These classifications, or schedules, are used by medical professionals, drug manufacturers, and the government to protect the public from potentially dangerous or addictive drugs.

Whenever prescription drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances are mentioned, a “class” or “schedule” is typically included. Keep reading to learn more about the specifics of drug schedules and how they are determined.

What are drug classifications?

Drug classifications were first put in place by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the 1970s. Since that time, the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were named responsible for determining whether or not substances are fit for medical use.

Both legal and illegal substances are controlled by the CSA, which provides an outline for the five classifications of drugs. Each classification comes with its own set of regulations. Regulations for drugs include possession, manufacturing, importation, use, and distribution. The CSA does not include alcohol or tobacco products among the classified substances.

Schedule I Drugs

Substances classified as Schedule I drugs are not considered fit for medical purposes. They lack safety necessary for use, even under medical supervision. These substances are highly susceptible to abuse and classified as the most dangerous.

Common Schedule I drugs include:

LSD
Marijuana
Ecstasy
Heroin
Bath Salts
Quaaludes
Peyote
Hallucinogens

You can view the full list of Schedule I drugs & variants here.

Schedule II Drugs

Drugs classified as Schedule II substances also have a high potential for abuse. However, there are some circumstances where they can be used by medical professionals. While there is considerable potential for these substances to lead to physical or psychological dependence, the risk can be minimized if a patient is under the supervision of a doctor. Common uses for Schedule II drugs include treating addiction or chronic pain. However, these substances have potential risks for long-term users.

Common Schedule II drugs include:

Demerol
Morphine
Codeine
Fentanyl
OxyContin
Methadone
Hydrocodone/Vicodin
Adderall
Ritalin
Dilaudid
Methamphetamine
Dexedrine

You can view the full list of Schedule II drugs and variants here.

Schedule III Drugs

Substances within the Schedule III classification have a lower risk for potential abuse than Schedules I or II. The potential for developing a physical or psychological dependence is also low to moderate for these substances. Various illnesses and injuries are often treated with drugs from the Schedule III classification.

Drugs within this classification are typically considered safe if used under medical supervision. They can typically be found at pharmacies if a patient has a prescription, but they are not available over the counter.

Common Schedule III drugs include:

Anabolic Steroids
Buprenorphine/Suboxone
Codeine (less than 90 milligrams)
Ketamine
Vicodin
Tylenol with Codeine

You can view the full list of Schedule III drugs and variants here.

Schedule IV Drugs

Drugs classified as Schedule IV have a much lower risk for substance abuse. These drugs are considered viable for medical use and commonly prescribed by medical professionals. While there is still a low risk for developing a substance abuse disorder or dependence with these substances, the likelihood is low when treated by a medical professional.

Common Schedule IV drugs include:

Ativan
Klonopin
Soma
Xanax
Valium
Darvon
Librium
Ambien
Lunesta
Tramadol
Talwin
Darvocet

You can view the full list of Schedule IV drugs and variants here.

Schedule V Drugs

Schedule V drugs are commonly prescribed medications or over-the-counter substances. The potential for abuse is relatively low for these drugs, and the preparations involve a minimal quantities of narcotics. The probability for misuse or abuse is low, however they can be addictive if combined with other substances of abuse. Drugs in the Schedule V classification are commonly used to treat fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, antidiarrheal purposes, and mild cough or cold symptoms.

Common Schedule V drugs include:

Robitussin AC
Phenergan with codeine
Ezogabine

You can view the full list of Schedule V drugs and variants here.

Common-Schedule-III-drugs-include-florida

Additional Drug Classifications

In addition to drug schedules, drugs are grouped by their chemical makeup. These substances may impact the body and mind in similar ways or be used to treat similar ailments.

Alcohol: Alcohol is actually a classified substance. It is the most commonly abused substance and acts as a central nervous system depressant. Addiction or abuse can lead to long-term liver damage.
Cocaine/Stimulants: Sometimes used as pain medications, these substances increase the activity of the central nervous system. They can make someone feel more energized or alert. They can also cause a person to become edgy or angry.
Cannabis: Cannabis is available in a variety of forms that impact the user in different ways, and it is the most widely used drug. The substance impacts the cannabinoid receptors found in the brain.
Inhalants: While less addictive than some substances, inhalants can be very dangerous. They are more frequently used by children or young adults because they are commonly found in household items.
Opioids: These drugs mimic opium in chemical structure and block signals in the brain by interacting with neurotransmitters. Opioids can block pain, but they have a great potential for abuse.
Benzodiazepines/Barbiturates: These substances also interact with neurotransmitters and create a sedative effect. They may be used for sleep conditions, but they can be highly addictive.
Hallucinogens: These drugs impact the central nervous system and change how people perceive time and reality. They can result in a person seeing or hearing things that are not real.

How are drug classifications determined?

There are a variety of factors that go into determining the classification of a substance. When a new drug enters the market, it is analyzed. Both pharmaceuticals and street drugs are taken into consideration. If it is determined that the drug can be abused, the DEA moves forward with scheduling the drug. The two biggest determining factors for drug classifications are the abuse rate and dependency potential as well as the acceptable medical use of the drug.

To avoid a Schedule I classification, drugs undergo medical trials. If medical merit can be proven through the clinical trials, the DEA can classify the drug in a lower class. Classification can be difficult because the probability for addiction is vague.

Do drug classifications matter?

Drug schedules can seem confusing because not all Schedule I drugs are considered illegal. However, the classification of a drug determine much of how it is regulated at the federal level. The strictest regulations fall on Schedule I and II drugs. Some of these substances are considered illegal and carry penalties for possession or distribution. Other substances in these classifications are highly regulated for medical use.

If necessary, a drug can be rescheduled. The process for review must be initiated by the US attorney general, and consists of several steps. In addition to reviewing medical and scientific evidence, the drug is evaluated on its potential for abuse. Hydrocodone was reclassified from Schedule III to Schedule II in 2014, but reclassification is a rare occurrence. For example, the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I substance has been controversial for decades.

Do drug classifications impact addiction treatment?

While drug classifications are important for medical professionals and lawmakers, the classification of a substance should not prevent someone from seeking addiction treatment. It is not illegal to have a substance abuse disorder, and a person can always seek help no matter which substance they struggle with.

The classification of a drug or the designation of a substance as illegal might cause some to hesitate before seeking addiction treatment. However, these classifications relate to the possession, use, and distribution of a drug. Seeking medical treatment for addiction, abuse, or dependence is not included in those circumstances.

For drug addiction and abuse treatment, substance classifications can actually be useful. Someone who is addicted to a specific substance has a higher likelihood of developing an addiction to another drug that is similar. If drugs are chemically similar, the same treatment may be considered. Treatment can also be tailored to meet the specific needs of a patient based on the classification of drug or substance.

RELATED CONTENT

What are drug classifications?