This act categorizes all substances that are regulated under federal law into “schedules,” depending on how potentially dangerous they are. The schedule the drug is placed under depends on its medical use, its potential for abuse, and its safety or how easily people become dependent on it. Careful consideration has gone into this categorization. The control of drugs through law exists to protect people from the harm that these drugs can do. It is based on research from many different sources into the potential harmfulness of the drug, both to individuals and to society. This article discusses each of the five schedules of controlled substances and the different substances found under each classification. It also covers what you need to know if your doctor prescribes a controlled substance.
Schedule 1 Drugs
Schedule I drugs (the law uses Roman numerals one through five) have a high potential for abuse. They currently have no federally accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S., and there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or substance under medical supervision. Examples of Schedule I substances include:
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) Heroin Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Methaqualone
Marijuana is the only Schedule I drug that is legal for medicinal and recreational uses in many states. However, many experts believe the drug’s status should be changed to allow for more comprehensive studies to determine the medical benefits of marijuana.
Schedule 2 Drugs
Schedule II drugs and substances also have a high potential for abuse. They differ from Schedule I drugs in that they do have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S. or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Examples of Schedule II substances include:
Cocaine Methadone Methamphetamine Morphine Phencyclidine (PCP)
Schedule 3 Drugs
Schedule III drugs and substances have less potential for abuse than the drugs or substances in Schedules I and II. They have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S. Abuse of the drug or substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Examples of Schedule III substances include:
Anabolic steroids Barbiturates Codeine Hydrocodone with aspirin or Tylenol
Schedule 4 Drugs
These drugs and substances have a low potential for abuse relative to those in Schedule III. The drug or substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III. Examples of Schedule IV substances include:
Darvon Equanil Talwin Valium Xanax
Schedule 5 Drugs
The drug or substance has a low potential for abuse relative to those in Schedule IV. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule IV. Schedule V drugs include cough medicines with codeine.
If Your Doctor Prescribes a Controlled Substance
While not all prescription drugs are controlled, there are several (for example, opioid pain medications) that do fall under the category of controlled substances. If your doctor prescribes one of these drugs, it’s essential that you only take it as directed. In addition to having limited refills, you may need to sign a pain medication agreement, or a contract between you and the doctor to ensure that you’re taking the drugs exactly as prescribed. While the details can vary from doctor to doctor, the contract may also ask you to agree to:
Get your prescription from only one pharmacyNot request or take pain medications from another providerSubmit to random drug testing
A Word From Verywell
There are times that your doctor may prescribe a controlled substance to treat a health condition. You should always discuss proper dosage and administration with your doctor. Carefully following the instructions can help minimize the risks of taking a controlled substance for the treatment of a health condition. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
