Controlled substances are those chemicals, substances, and combinations that the government enforces laws for. Controlled substances are classified into different schedules, based on the potential danger of the drug, as follows:
Schedule I – Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, peyote, LSD, and ecstasy.
Schedule II – Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II substances include methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, and opium.
Schedule III – Schedule III substances have less potential for abuse and abuse, but abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Some examples of Schedule III substances include ketamine and anabolic steroids.
Schedule IV – Schedule IV substances have a low potential for abuse and include Valium, Restoril, and Xanax.
Schedule V – Schedule V substances have a low potential for abuse and are mostly made up of preparations of limited quantities of certain substances. Schedule V substances include cough medicine and codeine.