Controlled substances

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A controlled substance is a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession and use are regulated by a government. This may include Illegal drugs and Prescription medications (designated Controlled Drug in the United Kingdom). In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration is responsible for suppressing illegal drug use and distribution by enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.

[edit] Classification

In the United States, controlled drugs are classified between CI (C-1) through CV (C-5). A drug is classified based on its risk for abuse. It should be important to note that these classicifications are not necessarily scientifically-based, but rather can be based on political priorities (alcohol and nicotine are placed in no categories despite their health risks and addiction potentials).

• CI drugs are defined as having:

   (A) A high potential for abuse.
   (B) No currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
   (C) A lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

They are illegal for distribution, and include substances such as Marijuana, Heroin and LSD.

• CII drugs are defined as having:

   (A) A high potential for abuse.
   (B) A currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States 
                               ~or~ 
       A currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
   (C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

These are the most tightly controlled, legalized drugs and include substances such as Ritalin and Oxycontin. Other examples include cocaine and amphetamine.

• CIII drugs are Defined as having:

   (A) A potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II.
   (B) A currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
   (C) Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence 
             or high psychological dependence. 

These are tightly controlled, though to a lesser extent than CII drugs. This category generally consist of narcotic analgesic and cough suppressant medications which are compounded with other, non-psycoactive drugs to limit their abuse potential, e.g. Vicodin (Hydrocodone & Tylenol), Darvocet (Propoxyphene & Tylenol), etc.

• CIV drugs are defined as having:

   (A) A low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule III.
   (B) A currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
   (C) 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. 

This is where the majority of benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium reside, along with many non-benzodiazepine sleep aids such as Lunesta and Ambien.

• CV drugs are defined as having:

   (A) A low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule IV.
   (B) A currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
   (C) 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 IV. 

These are referred to as "behind-the-counter" medications. They are regulated, though in most states pharmacists are allowed at their discretion to dispense them without a perscription. Robitussin AC (Guaifenesin: 100mg, Codeine: 10mg (Per 5mL)) is a good example.