Project Human Resources and Communications Management

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Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act 1. The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention & Control Act of 1970?

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 is a drug policy enacted into law in 1971 by the United States Congress. This federal government enacted this policy to guide the establishment of rehabilitation programs for people struggling with drugs.

The policy was also intended to address the distribution and registration of controlled substances and control the importation and exportation of these substances. This statement indicates that the major goal of this policy is to regulate the manufacturing, distribution, exportation and dispensing of controlled substances.

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The Controlled Substances Act identified the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S Food and Drug Administration, and the Human Health Services as the major players in preventing and controlling substances. The Act requires all parties dealing with exportation, importation, and distribution of controlled substances to register with the DEA (HG.org Legal Resources., 2021). The DEA is the main federally mandated agency to enact this policy. All players in the pharmaceutical industry are required to maintain accurate records and inventories besides ensuring drugs are kept securely. The FDA also plays a pivotal role in implementing the controlled substances policy. This agency provides crucial information to facilitate the classification of substances.

The policy categorizes controlled substances into five schedules. The categorization of drugs by the DEA and the FDA is guided by the current medical uses, the safety, and the potential for abuse f the drugs (HG.org Legal Resources, 2021). Schedule 1 and II comprises substances with a high potential for abuse, whereas schedule V comprises substances with the lowest potential for abuse. Substances under schedule 1 are not authorized for medical use.

However, clinicians can apply substances in the other schedules to treat various conditions. The policy has well-stipulated clauses on the use of illicit substances. Boston University (2021) noted that the possession, distribution and use of controlled substances are illegal in the United States.

The CSA authorizes the attorney general to conduct research and educational programs linked to the enforcement of drug laws under his/her jurisdiction (U.S Department of Justice, 2021). The policy supports studies and special projects intended to compare the effectiveness of different enforcement strategies.

2. Drugs and Substances Schedules

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The CSA classifies drugs into five major classes referred to as schedules. Hartney (2021) noted that the classification is guided by the medical use, the health risk and the potential for abuse. The categorization is intended to identify drugs that jeopardize the safety of users.

Schedule I drug comprises of the most harmful substances that are not used for medical purposes. Substances such as heroin, methaqualone and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid belong to this class. Schedule II comprises substances with a high potential for abuse but can be used in certain medical cases. Some medical conditions treated with schedule II drugs are chronic pain and addiction. The drugs used in such cases include methadone, morphine, cocaine, and methamphetamine (Hartney, 2021). Although people can obtain schedule 2 drugs with a doctor’s prescription, they still possess devastating long-term health risks.

Schedule III substances have a significantly minimal probability for abuse than Schedule I and II substances. However, prolonged use and misuse of these substances can lead to addiction. These substances are utilized in treating various medical conditions (HG.org Legal Resources, 2021). Users need a prescription to purchase schedule III drugs from a pharmacy.

They include barbiturates, anabolic steroids codeine and hydrocodone. Abuse of schedule III substances contributes to moderate physical dependence.

Schedule IV drugs and substances include Xanax, Darvon, Talwin, Valium and Equanil Hartney (2021). The potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction is significantly lower in schedule 4 drugs than schedule 3 drugs. However, a lower risk of misuse and addiction does not eliminate the risk. Prolonged use of schedule 4 substances can cause addiction whereas misuse can lead to catastrophic health consequences. The FDA has approved the Schedule IV drugs for treating various health conditions.

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Schedule V drugs have the lowest possibility of abuse in comparison to the other drugs.

These drugs are used in treating various diseases since they have minimal risk of physical and psychological dependence. Hartney (2021) pointed out that cough drugs with codeine, ezogabine, and Robitussin belong to schedule 5 drugs and substances. Despite these drugs have lower health risks, consumption in large quantities can affect a person’s health.

I would not make changes to drug and substance classification as depicted in schedules 1 to 5. This classification is guided by extensive research and consultation (Lampe & Attorney, 2019). Research helps disclose the potential harmfulness of these drugs to an individual and society.

3. Scheduling of alcohol and tobacco Alcohol and Tobacco are recreational substances legally acceptable for use among people over 18 years. The two drugs have not been classified in the controlled substances act schedules.

These substances cannot be used in the treatment of medical conditions (Addiction Center, 2021). They also have a high level of physical and psychological dependence. These substances also have significant health risks to individuals and society. Alcohol, for instance, affects various body systems including the central nervous system and the hepatic system (Addiction Center, 2021). It creates a feeling of euphoria and impairs judgment. Tobacco, on the other hand, affects the respiratory system and the central nervous system. Therefore, if they were to be evaluated today based on the existing classification criterion, they would be placed under schedule I. This class comprises drugs and substances with the greatest potential for abuse and addiction.

4. Summary The controlled substances act has enabled the government to regulate the use and marketing of controlled drugs and substances. This Act ensures that society is protected from

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violence and other vices associated with illicit drug use (HG.org Legal Resources, 2021).

However, although the current drug policy has strengthened the fight against the use, misuse, and abuse of controlled substances, it seems to be failing. After more than five decades, the war on the illegal use of controlled substances is far from being won. The current policy leans towards the criminalization of drugs and substances’ use rather than community-wide education on the health risks of these drugs.

Consequently, the sale of controlled substances in the black market seems to be gaining momentum by the day. Notably, these drugs contribute to criminal behavior, violence, corruption and conflict, classified as major social vices. The current drug policy, the stringent enforcement measures, and the criminalization of users have led to the marginalization of certain populations, mass incarceration, and health crises. It is therefore appropriate to re-strategize the fight against the illicit use of drugs and substances.

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References Addiction Center (2021). What are Drug Classifications? https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/drug-classifications/ Boston University. (2021) State and Federal Laws and Sanctions Concerning Drugs and Alcohol. https://www.bu.edu/safety/alcohol-drugs/laws/ Hartney, E., (2021). What Is a Controlled Substance? https://www.verywellmind.com/what-arecontrolled-drugs-22310 HG.org Legal Resources. (2021). Controlled Substances Act (CSA). https://www.hg.org/control.html Lampe, J. R., & Attorney, L. (2019). The Controlled Substances Act (CSA): a legal overview for the 116th Congress. Congressional Research Service: Report, 1-30. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45948.pdf U.S Department of Justice (2021). Title 21 United States Code (USC) Controlled Substances Act. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/21usc/872.htm