How many categories or schedules have been established by the DEA for controlled substances?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies controlled substances into five distinct schedules, ranging from Schedule I to Schedule V. Each schedule is defined by the potential for abuse, the accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and the likelihood of dependence when considering the substance.

Schedule I includes substances that have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as heroin and LSD. As one moves to Schedule II, substances are still considered to have a high potential for abuse but are recognized for legitimate medical use — for example, oxycodone and fentanyl. Schedules III, IV, and V include drugs with decreasing levels of abuse potential and increasing accepted medical uses, with Schedule V representing substances with the lowest potential for abuse, like some cough preparations containing less than 200 mg of codeine.

Understanding these schedules is crucial for anyone working with medications, especially in a veterinary context where controlled substances may be prescribed. The classification helps in determining how these substances can be administered or dispensed, ensuring that protocols are followed for patient and public safety.