In the United States, drugs and other dangerous substances are classed into five different categories. Known as schedules, these categories show the potential for abuse among certain types of drugs. Schedule 1 drugs are widely considered to be the most dangerous. Explore the definition of a schedule 1 drug, types of drugs that fit into that category, and why this schedule is so worrying.
The Definition of Schedule 1 Drugs
The Drug Enforcement Administration has five classifications for drugs, and they rank between one and five. Substances classed as schedule 1 are the most dangerous, and schedule 5 drugs are the least harmful.
Drugs classified as schedule 1 have no medical benefits. That means that there is no legitimate medical reason to use or abuse these drugs. It also says that prescription drugs, while they can be abused, won’t be found in the category of schedule 1.
Drugs in schedule 1 also have the highest potential for abuse. These drugs are more likely to cause dependence in a very short amount of time. This is yet another reason why they are so dangerous.
Types of Drugs in Schedule 1
There are many different drugs that are classified as schedule 1 substances. Ecstasy and LSD, for example, are both drugs with no medical benefits. There is no way to safely or responsibly consume these drugs. Since they have no medical value, they are schedule 1 drugs and are highly controlled and restricted.
Heroin is another drug you’ll find on schedule 1 drug lists. That’s primarily because of its severe potential for abuse. Many people who use heroin just one time end up addicted to the drug. It has a tremendous impact on the brain, and users can develop cravings in a matter of hours. Other drugs found in the schedule 1 classification include peyote, marijuana, and methaqualone.
How Quickly Can a Schedule 1 Drug Addiction Develop?
Every schedule 1 drug can cause addiction in short order. Often, a single dose is enough to create a dependency. In other cases, it may take days or weeks. How quickly an addiction develops has to do with a person’s health and history.
Specific underlying factors can make addiction more likely. Those with mental health disorders or a history of trauma, for example, are more prone to developing a drug addiction. Those with perfectionist tendencies and no means of stress relief could also be at a higher risk. There is also a genetic component to the development of drug addiction.
Overcoming a Drug Addiction
To end an addiction to schedule 1 drugs, you want professional help. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, you can get medical attention as you begin the journey to complete recovery. Clients can expect all of the following in detox:
- 24/7 support
- Medical detox program
- Drug counseling
- Aftercare planning
- Behavioral therapy
Schedule 1 drugs are highly addictive, but there is a way to end that addiction for good. In both Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter, Florida, Serenity House Detox & Recovery holds the key to your recovery. Call 866-294-5306 and take the first steps to overcoming addiction.
