Classification of Drugs, Their Dependence, and their Key Interactions
Drugs are any substance that, when taken, alters the normal functioning of the body. They change the function of the body, either psychologically or physically. Drug dependence is the urge or needs to use one or more drugs, while drug interaction is the relationship between two drugs and how they influence each other when taken. Some drugs are illegal, while others may be illegal. Drugs are grouped and classified according to different ways. Under the pharmaceutical understanding, drugs are grouped according to their effects on the subject, chemical composition, and the treatment impact. Moreover, drug classification helps us understand the side effects of drugs and the risks associated with drugs. There are many reasons we classify drugs, starting from understanding their benefits to their effects and their impacts whenever the drugs are abused or misused.
Drugs are mostly classified under Five categories, also referred to as schedules (TRIPATHI, 2019). These schedules are determined and depend on the authorization of drugs and the medicinal value in drugs. For instance, schedule 1 drugs are known to be abused mostly and their potentiality to create a great impact on psychological and physical dependence (Leavitt, 2003). Schedule 1 drugs are known for not having any medicinal value, unlike the opioids, which have therapeutic value to diagnosed patients. Schedule 1 drugs, also known as stimulants, causes withdrawal symptoms after developing dependence, where the subject develops financial strain and legal issues. Examples of schedule 1 drugs include LSD, heroin, and ecstasy. Misuse of drugs for medication which mostly happens in hospitals and pharmacy shops, is one factor contributing to misuse and abuse of drugs
Schedule 2 drugs are also known to have increased potentiality abuse. Also, these drugs portray drastic physical and psychological dependence. Although some of these drugs have medicinal value like opioids, they cause significant effects on the subject whenever the drugs are misused. Examples of drugs under schedule 2 include cocaine, opioids, and meth. Opioids can be used as painkillers considered very powerful, but they trigger pleasure; that is why they are addictive.
Another classification is schedule 3 drugs, also known as hallucinogens. These types of drugs are not mostly abused compared to other drugs. Schedule three drugs have relatively low dependence as well as physical and psychological effects on the subject. Hallucinogens alter the thinking ability of a person. Their effects are associated with hallucinations, synthesis, and altered awareness of time. Schedule three drugs have a generally lower risk of addiction, but when misused and taken in large quantities, they alter the mind’s normal functioning.
Schedule 4 drugs generally have low effects on the subject in terms of dependence and physical as well as psychological effects. These drugs are also known as Benzodiazepines or benzos. These drugs function by altering the neurotransmitter of their brain, known as gamma-aminobutyric acid. These drugs can affect both the body and mind of the subject differently. They are prescribed in hospitals for pain control if the provider finds it medically necessary for the patient. These drugs can be prescribed by word of mouth over the phone via EPCS. And refills are allowed up to five times in six months since the first date of provision.
The last classification in the list is schedule 5 drugs. Drugs in these categories have the lowest abeyant for abuse as compared to substances in schedule 4. There is little control of substance under this category. The abuse of these drugs may lead to less psychological or physical dependence compared to schedule 4 substances. Examples include cough medicines containing codeine, antidiarrheal medicines containing atropine or diphenoxylate, pregabalin, and ezogabine. Despite their lower effects, their prescription should be done with aggravation.
In conclusion, drug abuse and misuse difference determine the use of disorder. There is a need to classify drugs and understand their purpose and side effects they have on a subject. Proper and careful prescription during medication should be adhered to by all providers of these drugs to prevent misuse, wrong prescription, and abuse.