Drug & Alcohol Education

Chemical Classifications

100

Most widely abused substance across most of the world, including the U.S.

Alcohol

200

Can be man-made or synthetic. Acts on receptors in the brain, sometimes mimicking the effects of neurotransmitters. Another well-known, most used substance. 

Opioids

300

Interacts with neurotransmitter GABA-A. Prescribed to treat a wide variety of psychiatric and sleep conditions, but are commonly misused. 

Benzodiazepines

400

Most widely abused drug after alcohol that is gaining legal acceptance. Chemically similar to tetrahyrocannabinol, the active ingredient in Marijuana. 

Cannabinoids

500

Slow down central nervous system. Still used today primarily fir anesthesia and treatment of conditions like epilepsy. 

Barbiturates

Effect Classifications

100

Create feelings of relaxation and tiredness. Slows down brain activity and the central nervous system, leading to calming and sedative effects. 

Depressants

200

Increase energy, concentration and wakefulness. Said to "provide a rush." 

Stimulants

300

Often can results in auditory or visual hallucinations. Generally known to be less addictive, but their immediate impacts are generally more severe and dangerous. 

Hallucinogens

400

Commonly used materials that are in no way designed to ever be ingested by humans. 

Inhalants

500

Alcohol, Opiates and Barbiturates are referred to as...

Depressants

Legal Classifications

100

Fewest regulations and lowest penalties of any federal drug classification. Lower potential for abuse and addiction than other drugs.

Schedule V (5)

200

Most regulations and harshest penalties of any drugs. Have no legitimate accepted medical use and are high risk for abuse. 

Schedule I (1)

300

Few regulations and low penalties aside from schedule V. Low potential for abuse and addiction. 

Schedule IV (4)

400

Have a legitimate medical use but have the highest potential for abuse and addiction.

Schedule II (2)

500

Have a legitimate medical use, have lower abuse potential than other drugs, and a moderate to low potential for addiction. 

Schedule III (3)

Name that Classification (Drug Schedule)

100

Codeine, Fentanyl, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone & Ritalin are all examples of this drug classification.

Schedule II (2)

200

Lorazepam, Tramadol, Valium & Ambien are all under this drug classification.

Schedule IV (4)

300

Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Lasmiditan & many cough/cold syrups fall under this classification. 

Schedule V (5)

400

Ecstasy, Methamphetamines, Peyote, Mescaline, Quaaludes and GHB fall under this classification.

Schedule I (1)

500

Buprenorphine, Ketamine, Vicodin, Butalbital & Anabolic Steroids fall under this classification. 

Schedule III (3)

Name that Classification (Based on Effect)

100

Effects of this drug class include: Increase alertness, energy, focus, euphoria, increase heart rate & blood pressure, reduce appetite, insomnia. 

Stimulants

200

Effects of this drug class include: Altered perceptions of reality, vivid visions, strong emotions, distorted sense of time and space, increased heart rate & blood pressure, nausea. 

Hallucinogens. 

300

Effects of this drug class include: relaxation, drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, slurred speech, confusion, impaired coordination & judgement, reduced inhibitions. 

Depressants. 

400

Effects of this drug class include: slurred/distorted speech, lack of body control, euphoria, dizziness, hallucinations.

Hallucinogens

500

LONG TERM Effects of this drug class include: weight loss, cardiovascular problems, organ damage, tissue/cartilage damage, gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, changes in brain chemistry and development of metal health disorders.

Stimulants.