The Drug Enforcement Administration has a classification system for drugs. The government considers Schedule I drugs to be the most dangerous because they have no medical use but a high potential for addiction. At the other end of the spectrum are Schedule 5 drugs, which have a low potential for abuse. Take a closer look at some of the most popular Schedule 2 drugs, why they’re dangerous, and how you can overcome an addiction to them through addiction treatment programs.
What is a Schedule 2 Drug?
Schedule 2 drugs are substances that have a high potential for abuse. Unlike Schedule 1 drugs, some Schedule 2 substances have legitimate medical purposes. Nonetheless, many people who take these drugs don’t do so for the right reasons.
A Schedule 2 drug is highly addictive. People abusing schedule 2 drugs in Oregon can develop physical and psychological dependencies on Schedule 2 substances. The government carefully monitors the use of these drugs in the United States, and obtaining, using, or selling them inappropriately is illegal. Examples of Schedule 2 substances include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, Adderall, and Ritalin.
Schedule 2 drugs are heavily controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). That means anyone who handles these drugs must be authorized by a DEA license. There are strict laws about where and how these substances can be sold, as well as how much of them may legally exist. Many Schedule 2 drugs also have very specific rules for prescribing and use—such as monthly quotas for people who take Ritalin, Oxycontin, or Adderall for ADHD.
Despite the fact that many Schedule 2 drugs are strictly controlled, there is a thriving market for them in the United States. This includes both legal and illegal users. Many people who abuse these drugs are addicted or are recreational drug users who want to get high or use these substances for recreation. Others may be people who need these drugs for legitimate medical reasons.
Examples of Schedule 2 drugs include:
Adderall/Ritalin
Adderall is the brand name for a prescription drug that combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Ritalin is the brand name for the prescription drug that contains methylphenidate. Both of these substances are Schedule 2 drugs, and both are central nervous stimulants. When a doctor prescribes these drugs, Adderall and Ritalin work to treat medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
Although these drugs can be beneficial to certain individuals, they can also be addictive. Many people abuse drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. Most often, college and high school students are the culprits behind the abuse of these stimulants. Because of this, the government restricts them and classifies them as Schedule 2 substances.
Cocaine
Cocaine is also a stimulant drug, although this is a substance without a medical purpose. The primary reason that it’s a schedule 2 drug is because of its addictive properties. Consistent use of cocaine impacts the dopamine levels in the brain and can cause mental and physical health problems.
The short-term effects of cocaine use can include nosebleeds, irritability, changes to focus, and involuntary tics. Chronic abuse of cocaine can cause inflammation of the heart muscle, a high risk of stroke, or even permanent brain damage.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, colloquially meth or ice, is another Schedule 2 stimulant drug. This drug is highly addictive, and it can lead to devastating health effects. To make matters worse, drug dealers often cook meth in small batches. Each homemade batch can contain harsh chemicals like drain cleaner or battery acid.
There’s no safe way to use meth. Additionally, there’s no medical or behavioral benefit to the drug. Its sale and manufacture is illegal, and there is never a good reason to abuse methamphetamine.
Prescription Opioid Painkillers
Unlike cocaine and meth, you might find some Schedule 2 drugs in your medicine cabinet. Prescription painkillers often contain opioid substances. Physicians intend these prescriptions for pain relief, but there are some drawbacks.
Even if you’re using prescription painkillers as your physician recommends, you can still develop an addiction. Opioid painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin are Schedule 2 drugs because of the risks they pose.
Ending an Addiction to Schedule 2 Drugs at Crestview Recovery
If you’re currently abusing a Schedule 2 substance, fight back with treatment. At Crestview Recovery, you can get medication management and ongoing support. This allows you to safely break free from addiction. Other therapies that can be effective on your journey to sobriety include:
- Trauma therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Art and music therapy
- Pain management training
- Yoga and fitness therapies
Schedule 2 drugs can be incredibly harmful and highly addictive. Break free from them at Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon. Call 866.262.0531 to learn more about comprehensive care and effective addiction treatment.