Scheduling of Drugs

Scheduling of drugs refers to the classification of various substances based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety. In the United States, drugs are categorized into schedules, ranging from Schedule I (most restricted, no accepted medical use, high potential for abuse, e.g., heroin) to Schedule V (least restricted, low potential for abuse, e.g., cough preparations with low levels of codeine). This system helps regulate access, inform prescribing practices, and protect public health by balancing the need for medical treatment with the risks of addiction and misuse.