What Are the Different Classes of Narcotics?

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) created drug classes to differentiate between different types of drugs and their potential for abuse, as well as their benefits. Narcotics––also known as opioids––are found in all five classes. If you have been abusing these drugs and need to seek help, call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) today.

What Are Narcotics and Their Drug Classes?

Narcotics are drugs synthesized or derived from the opiate poppy plant.

Narcotic is a term often used to describe drugs that are either synthesized from or derived directly from the poppy plant. These substances work by binding to receptors in the brain, which allows them to block sensations of pain.

These substances have a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). This means they slow down brain activity and decrease stimulation in different areas of the brain. In turn, this can lead to feelings of sedation or euphoria.

All types of controlled substances––narcotics among them––fall under one of the categories below.

• Schedule I Substances: These drugs are extremely dangerous with a high potential for abuse. There are also no medicinal uses for them.
• Schedule II Substances: The substances can lead to dependence and have a high potential for abuse. They can still be used medically but only by prescription.
• Schedule III Substances: These substances have a “moderate to low potential for physical or psychological dependence”.
• Schedule IV Substances: These have a very low risk of dependence and other issues for those who use them medically.
• Schedule V Substances: These have the lowest potential for abuse and often little to no potential for dependence. These are some of the least risky, controlled substances available, but they still need to be controlled to a certain degree.

Different narcotics (or opioids) fall into all five of these categories. Understanding which types are the most dangerous and what these classes mean can help you avoid any issues associated with abuse or addiction.

Class/Schedule I Narcotics

Schedule I narcotics are extremely dangerous. They are not approved for any type of medical use and can create severe physical and psychological dependence in those who abuse them. The use of Schedule I drugs can quickly lead to addiction.

While other types of synthesized opioids are not considered safe for medicinal use, the only type of Schedule I opioid you are likely to encounter is heroin. Heroin can cause addiction extremely quickly after a person begins abusing it. It’s a highly addictive drug, no matter how it is used.

Class/Schedule II Narcotics

Class II narcotics can also be addictive when abused. However, they can also help treat issues like chronic or very severe pain. Some commonly prescribed Schedule II medications include:

• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone

These drugs must always be prescribed by a doctor and taken exactly as prescribed. A person can also overdose on these drugs and experience severe respiratory depression, so if you are currently taking any Schedule II narcotics, it is very important to take your prescription seriously.

Are Stimulants Narcotics?

The term “narcotics” is often used to describe all illicit drugs, however this is not accurate. Narcotics are opiate-based drugs such as prescription painkillers and heroin. Stimulants are a completely different drug class.

Class/Schedule III Narcotics

Schedule III opioids are not as likely to cause addiction (as well as physical or psychological dependence) as Schedule II drugs are. Still, an individual will need to take their prescription seriously and not stray from their prescribed dosage to be safe.

Morphine and codeine are two types of narcotics that can fall into Schedule II or III depending on the amount being prescribed. As stated by the DEA, “Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage” are included in Class III (DEA 2).

Class/Schedule IV and V Narcotics

Schedule IV and V narcotics do exist, though they are often used for a different reason than other, more powerful medications. Tramadol is considered a very weak opioid, and therefore, it is placed in Class IV. Sometimes, codeine can be found in certain Class V drugs, which are often cold medicines.

Seek Help for Narcotic Abuse Today

If you have been abusing any type of opioid drug, it is time to seek help. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) now to find a rehab center that will cater to your needs and allow you to recover safely and effectively.

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