Question

Chapter Three: 5. Discuss how the federal Controlled Substances Act regulates the use of controlled substances in health care.

Answer 1

Controlled Substances Act is the drug policy in the USA which helps to control drug abuse and addiction through controlling manufacture, import, distribution, possession and use of certain potential substances.

These substances are grouped under five different categories that is decided by the FDA and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The classification is based on following factors :

1. Potential of substance to be used as a abuse

2. Therapeutic use of the drug

3. Safety of drug and Potential of substance to cause addiction

The class I consists of substances with high potential for abuse and addiction with no medical use and highly unsafe. Class ll consist of substance with high potential abuse and addiction with little medical use under high restrictions. Class lll includes substances with medium potential for abuse and addiction with medical use. Class lV includes substances with moderate potential for abuse and addiction with medical use. Class V consist of drug with lowest abuse and mild addiction with medical use.

Keeping a close eye on manufacture, import, distribution, possession and use of certain potential substances helps prevent mishandling, drug abuse and drug dependence.

The classification of substances with potential for abuse and addiction also helps healthcare to become aware of such substances and how they should be handled in their organization. This helps control and prevent drug abuse.