psychiatric disorders
Overview of Substance Use
Scheduled drugs
In the US, theComprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970and subsequent modifications require the pharmaceutical industry to maintain physical security of and strict record keeping for certain classes of drugs (controlled substances—see table). Controlled substances are divided into 5 schedules (or classes) on the basis of their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and accepted safety under medical supervision. The schedule classification determines how a substance must be controlled. Schedule I: These substances have a high addiction liability, no accredited medical use, and a lack of accepted safety. They can be used only under government-approved research conditions. Schedule II to IV: These drugs have progressively less addiction liability (going from schedule II to IV). They have an accredited medical use. Prescriptions for these drugs must bear the physician’s federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license number. Schedule V: These substances have the least addiction liability. Some Schedule V drugs do not require a prescription. State schedules may vary from federal schedules. 