Organized into categories, drug classifications are a method of categorizing substances This is for a variety of reasons.
It is helpful to classify medications based on their chemical similarity since comparable drugs have similar effects and hazards. A person who has been dependent on one substance is more prone to turn to another that has a similar chemical make-up. In addition, the same therapy generally works for medications that are chemically identical. Drugs that are chemically identical may have extremely diverse legal and medical consequences, notwithstanding these generalizations
It’s common to group medications together based on the mental and physical effects they have on the user. As a general rule, a person’s state of mind is affected by the kind of substance they are taking. “Upers” and “downers” are two terms that characterize these kinds of drugs.
Legal categorization systems for pharmaceuticals are common in most nations. These systems govern the conditions, if any, under which that substance is lawful, the different standards for that drug, and any legal consequences connected with possession, distribution, or manufacturing of it.. Perceived medical value and risk/danger of a medicine are the primary factors used to classify it legally.
Even among professionals, there is substantial dispute about the proper classification of medications. To put it another way, two distinct systems may use the same term for different categories when classifying the same medicine. It is hard to develop a “definitive” set of drug categories because of these disputes. The following is a list of some of the most frequent.
Drug Classifications Based on Chemical Makeup
Alcohol
Most of the globe, including the United States, abuses alcohol the most. Despite the fact that alcohol is legal in all 50 states to some degree, it has a wide range of negative consequences on the user’s health and well-being. Anxiety is reduced and inhibitions are eased by alcohol, but it also substantially hampers judgement and response times. In addition to being a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, alcohol has the worst long-term liver damage. There are numerous different kinds of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits. Including:
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor
- Opioids
Opioids, which are also known as opiates, are either derived from Opium or chemically synthesized to look like it. Neurotransmitter mimicry is one way opioids function by imitating the actions of other neurotransmitters. As a result, Opioids may be very effective pain relievers while simultaneously causing great pleasure and the potential for addiction. Addiction to opioid pain relievers is one of the most pressing issues facing the United States today. Opioids are among the most addictive and dangerous chemicals known to man. Some of the most well-known Opioids include:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Benzodiazepines
Gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that benzodiazepines (Benzos) interact with (GABA-A). Because each Benzo has various interactions with GABA-A, each Benzo has diverse effects on the body and mind. Many mental and sleep disorders may be helped with benzos; however, they are also often misused. If benzos are not taken properly, they may cause a variety of medical and mental issues. Examples of Benzos include:
- Ativan
- Valium
- Xanax
- Cannabinoids
A whole family of medications that have a molecular similarity to THC (the main ingredient in marijuana) are called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have a euphoric effect, known as a ‘high,’ but they can have a detrimental effect on mental and physical health. After alcohol, cannabinoids are the second most often misused substances, and their legalization is on the rise. A person’s mental and physical health may be severely harmed by Cannabinoids, despite the fact that they are regarded less addictive than other drug classes. Examples of Cannabinoids include:
- Marijuana
- Hashish
- Barbiturates
There are several other cannabinoids that are chemically related to THC, the main ingredient in Marijuana. There is a high associated with cannabinoids, but they can have harmful effects on mental and physical health. When it comes to drug misuse, cannabinoids are second only to alcohol in terms of prevalence. There are several dangers associated with Cannabinoids, even though they are regarded less addictive than other types of drugs. Examples of Barbiturates include:
- Amytal
- Luminal
Drug Classifications Based On Effect
Depressants
Depressants, which are more frequently referred to as “downers,” induce a sense of calm and exhaustion in the user. In spite of the fact that many have real medical applications, they are often misused due to their ability to induce euphoria. In addition to being extremely addictive, depressants are among the most harmful and likely to result in an overdose. Examples of Depressants include:
- Alcohol
- Opiates
- Barbiturates
Stimulants
Stimulants, sometimes known as “uppers,” are commonly used to boost energy, focus, and alertness. People often refer to the “rush” they get from stimulants as “the rush.” In the short-term, Stimulants are thought to boost productivity and performance as well as provide an exhilarating high. Stimulants are very addicting and have a significant risk of misuse in the long run. Examples of Stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Cocaine
- Meth
Hallucinogens
Those who use hallucinogens experience a shift in their sense of self-awareness and reality. An experience known as “tripping” occurs when this often leads to auditory and visual hallucinations. Although hallucinogens tend to be less addicted than other types of drugs, their initial effects tend to be more acute and deadly. Examples of Hallucinogens include:
- LSD
- Psilocybin Mushrooms
- PCP
Inhalants
Inhalants are a wide variety of substances that are mostly consumed by inhaling or puffing them. The vast majority of inhalants are made of substances that are not meant to be consumed by humans. There is a wide range of inhalants, but most generate a sense of euphoria. Studies on inhalants are rarer than on most other types of medications. Inhalants, although less addictive than many other drugs, are very harmful and may have major consequences for one’s health. Examples of commonly abused Inhalants include:
- Paint thinner
- Nail polish remover
- Gasoline
Drug Classifications Based on Legal Definitions
The Controlled Substances Act was created by the federal government in 1970 as a reaction to the drug crisis. 5 drug schedules were created by this law. The classification of a drug is based on its legality, the value of its possible medicinal applications, and the danger of misuse and addiction it poses. International treaties are an exception to this rule. Classifying medications according to schedules is required by international treaties like the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Schedule V
There are the fewest restrictions and the lowest punishments for Schedule V medicines. In contrast to Schedule IV medicines, Schedule V pharmaceuticals have an established medical use, are less likely to be misused, and are less likely to become addicted. Examples include:
- Lomotil
- Motofen
- Lyrica
Schedule IV
In between the restrictions and penalties of Schedule V and Schedule III medicines, there are those for Schedule IV substances. Drugs under Schedule IV have a valid recognized medicinal use, little potential for abuse, and low risk of addiction. Examples include:
- Ambien
- Darvocet
- Tramadol
Schedule III
There are more rules and harsher punishments for Schedule III medications compared to Schedule IV drugs, and less controls and less severe penalties for Schedule II drugs. The abuse potential of Schedule III medications is lower than that of Schedule I and II substances, and the risk for addiction is moderate to low. Examples of Schedule III drugs include:
- Anabolic steroids
- Ketamine
- Vicodin
