What Are Schedule 5 Drugs?
Passed in 1970, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act continues to provide the legal basis for U.S. drug policy. Among its benefits, it divides substances into five categories or schedules. Ranging from schedule 1 to schedule 5 drugs, these categories describe a substance’s potential to be abused, its safety, its potential to become addictive, and its legitimate medical applications.
Schedules Explained
To understand schedule 5 drugs, it helps to learn about which substances fall into the other categories and why. The schedules are as follows:
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- Schedule 1 substances are the most dangerous, have a high potential for addiction, and possess no legitimate medical uses. Examples include heroin, ecstasy, and peyote.
- Schedule 2 substances are also dangerous but with slightly less potential for abuse. Examples include cocaine, methadone, Dilaudid, Demerol, and Oxycontin.
- Schedule 3 substances have a low to moderate potential for dependency. Examples include Vicodin, Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule 4 substances have a low potential for abuse or addiction. Examples include Xanax, Darvon, Valium, and Ativan.
- Schedule 5 drugs contain limited quantities of certain narcotics and are less addictive than the above schedules. Examples include cough medicines like Robitussin AC, Lomotil, Motofen and Lyrica.
Why Schedule 5 Drugs Are Deceptive
Although the Drug Enforcement Agency believes that schedule 5 substances have the lowest potential for substance abuse and addiction, they represent some real dangers.
In recent years, it has become fashionable among teens and young adults to combine dextromethorphan cough medicines with sugary drinks and hard candy to form narcotic mixtures. These mixtures, which often contain 25–50 times the recommended dosage, cause euphoria and relief from pain. People often combine these mixtures with alcohol, cocaine, and other higher-schedule drugs, markedly increasing the likelihood of deadly interactions, overdose, and even death.
Ending the Cycle of Addiction
If you’re a man who is addicted to schedule 5 drugs in combination with alcohol, cocaine, heroin or other substances, compassionate help is just a phone call away.
Serenity Lodge is a spiritually-oriented, men’s-only alcohol and drug rehab facility nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. Dedicated to helping you get to the deeply rooted causes of your dependence, the fully accredited Serenity Lodge staff will take the time to learn about your specific needs and tailor a recovery program uniquely designed for you.
As part of our residential inpatient program, you’ll attend evidence-based individual and group addiction therapy sessions in a breathtakingly beautiful environment that will give you a peaceful break from the stress and triggers of your everyday life. Additional benefits that will enhance your recovery include the following:
- 1500-square-foot gym
- Professional recording studio
- Movie theater
- Sports including golf and racquetball
- Nutritional prepared mealsal prepared meals and massage therapy
- Swimming pool
- Meditation
- Outpatient and alumni programs
To find out more about our addiction treatment programs, call Serenity Lodge today at (855) 932-4045.
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