At a Glance: Chart of Scheduled Drugs
What is the chart of scheduled drugs?It’s the U.S. government’s system for classifying controlled substances into five schedules based on medical use, misuse potential, and dependence risk.
What schedule is Adderall? Adderall is a Schedule II stimulant, tightly controlled due to its high misuse potential.
Is alcohol on the chart? No. Alcohol is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. It is regulated separately.
What are schedule one drugs?These include substances like heroin, LSD, and MDMA—considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse.
What are schedule two narcotics? They are powerful opioids such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, and methadone—listed as narcotics due to their potency and misuse risks.
Why does this matter for addiction and mental health?Scheduling affects how drugs are prescribed, researched, and accessed. Understanding it helps people see the balance between medical use, legal status, and treatment barriers.
Table of Contents
If you work in addiction and mental health—or you’re simply trying to understand a loved one’s prescription—it helps to know how the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies medicines and illicit drugs. Below you’ll find a clear chart of scheduled drugs, a concise explanation of what each schedule means, and answers to common questions such as adderall scheduling, the alcohol schedule, and what people mean by a list of narcotics (including schedule one drugs and schedule two narcotics).
mportant note: This guide is educational, not legal advice. Scheduling can change; always confirm with official DEA references linked here.
What “schedules” mean under the CSA
The CSA places certain substances in five schedules based on three factors: (1) accepted medical use, (2) potential for misuse, and (3) safety/dependence risk. Schedule I is the most restricted; Schedule V is the least restricted. The DEA administers scheduling with scientific evaluations from HHS/FDA, and there’s a formal process for adding, moving, or removing substances from schedules.
Who decides—and how does it change?
DEA initiates rulemaking, requests a scientific/medical evaluation from HHS/FDA, and then issues a final rule. FDA’s scientific findings are binding on DEA, but DEA has the final scheduling authority within the statute. This is why rescheduling can take months or years and may include public hearings.
Quick reference: Chart of scheduled drugs (I–V)
| Schedule | What it means | Examples you’ll recognize |
|---|---|---|
| I (“schedule one drugs”) | No currently accepted medical use in the U.S.; high misuse potential; research only with federal authorization. | Heroin; LSD; MDMA; Cannabis (marijuana) pendingproposed rescheduling to Schedule III (not final as of this writing). (DEA Diversion Control Division) |
| II(“schedule two narcotics” and stimulants) | Accepted medical use with high misuse potential; severe dependence risk; no refills permitted. | Opioids (often on a “list of narcotics”): oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone combo products. Stimulants: Adderall® (amphetamine), methylphenidate. (DEA Diversion Control Division) |
| III | Accepted medical use; lower misuse potential than I/II. | Buprenorphine; ketamine; anabolic steroids. (DEA Diversion Control Division) |
| IV | Accepted medical use; low misuse potential relative to III. | Benzodiazepines (diazepam, clonazepam); tramadol; zolpidem; zuranolone. (DEA Diversion Control Division) |
| V | Accepted medical use; lowest misuse potential among schedules; may include certain low‑dose opioid cough/diarrhea preparations and pregabalin. | Diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil®); pregabalin (Lyrica®). (DEA Diversion Control Division) |
| Alcohol(“alcohol schedule”) | Not scheduled under the CSA; regulated separately at federal and state levels. | Alcohol and tobacco are explicitly excluded from the CSA. (Congress.gov) |
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Schedule I
People sometimes Google schedule i narcotics, but “narcotic” in U.S. law typically refers to opioids and coca‑leaf derivatives. Schedule I contains both opioids (e.g., heroin) and non‑opioids (e.g., LSD, MDMA). The uniting feature is no currently accepted medical use and high misuse potential under federal law. States may treat particular drugs differently, but state laws don’t change federal scheduling.
Cannabis status in 2025
DOJ/DEA have proposed moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, and public hearings have been held, but final rescheduling has not taken effect as of this writing. Always verify current status directly with DEA.
Schedule II: high control, real medical use
Schedule II includes powerful opioids—what many people mean by a list of narcotics—and certain stimulants used for ADHD and narcolepsy. Prescriptions can’t be refilled; manufacturers are subject to production quotas to balance access and diversion risk.
Opioids you’ll see on a list of narcotics
Oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl and many fentanyl analogs, methadone, and hydrocodone combination products are in Schedule II. These medicines help with severe pain or opioid use disorder treatment (methadone), yet carry high misuse and dependence risks—hence tight controls.
Adderall scheduling (and other stimulants)
Adderall® (mixed amphetamine salts) is Schedule II—specifically listed as “amphetamine … Dexedrine, Adderall, Obetrol” in the DEA’s official alphabetical schedule. So are methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and methamphetamine (Desoxyn®).
Schedules III, IV, and V: still controlled, but with lower risk relative to I/II
These schedules cover many medicines at the intersection of addiction and mental health care.
Schedule III
- Buprenorphine (opioid use disorder treatment).
- Ketamine (anesthetic; also studied/used under protocols for treatment‑resistant depression).
- Anabolic steroids (misuse risks; medical uses exist).
Schedule IV
- Benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clonazepam.
- Tramadol (analgesic).
- Zolpidem (sleep).
- Zuranolone (postpartum depression).
Schedule V
- Pregabalin (Lyrica®).
- Certain low‑dose codeine cough preparations and diphenoxylate/atropine for diarrhea. Regulations vary by state and product.
Where does alcohol fit?
There isn’t one. Alcohol is not a controlled substance under the CSA, and neither is tobacco. Both are regulated by other federal and state frameworks (e.g., TTB, state alcohol laws). That said, alcohol is highly prevalent and can cause serious harm; it’s simply governed outside the CSA.
U.S. “Schedules” vs. UK “Class A”
Searches for schedule a drugs usually point to the UK’s “Class A” category (e.g., heroin, cocaine, MDMA). That’s a different system from the U.S. CSA. In the UK, drugs are labeled Classes A, B, C, and separately placed in Schedules 1–5 for medical control—so don’t mix “Class A” with U.S. “Schedule I.”
Why scheduling matters in addiction & mental health care
Access to evidence‑based treatment
Scheduling shapes how medications are prescribed, dispensed, stored, and studied. For instance, buprenorphine (Schedule III) and methadone (Schedule II) are both effective for OUD, but they live under different rules. Production quotas can be adjusted to meet clinical need while attempting to reduce diversion.
Research, stigma, and the care gap
Higher schedules can make clinical research harder and may reinforce stigma, which can deter people from seeking help. Co‑occurring addiction and mental health conditions are common, yet many who need help don’t receive specialty treatment—closing that gap starts with clear information and judgment‑free support.
How Nova Recovery Center Supports Recovery from Substances Across All Drug Schedules
At Nova Recovery Center in Austin, Texas, we recognize how overwhelming the chart of scheduled drugs can be, especially when people encounter terms like schedule one drugs, schedule two narcotics, or adderall scheduling in everyday conversations. Our experienced team provides clear guidance on how these classifications impact treatment options and what they mean for individuals facing addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. Because substances across different schedules carry unique medical risks and legal restrictions, we design personalized care plans that reflect the realities of recovery here in Austin. While alcohol is not included in the CSA scheduling system, it remains one of the most misused substances, and we offer comprehensive treatment for alcohol addiction as part of our full continuum of services. With evidence-based therapies, holistic approaches, and structured relapse-prevention strategies, we help clients in Austin build resilience and achieve long-term sobriety. Our programs include medical detox in Austin, Texas, residential drug and alcohol treatment in Austin, Texas, intensive outpatient care in Austin, Texas, and sober living support in Austin, Texas, giving each person the tools and accountability they need to succeed. Most importantly, we meet every client where they are, delivering compassionate, professional care in the heart of Central Texas to ensure a safe and hopeful path forward.
Futhermore Nova Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we provide safe and supportive medical drug detox in San Antonio to help clients begin recovery with comfort and stability. Our expert staff monitors withdrawal symptoms and creates individualized plans to ease the detox process. After stabilization, clients can continue care through our structured outpatient treatment programs in San Antonio, Texas, which offer counseling, relapse prevention, and ongoing support while allowing individuals to maintain daily responsibilities. Together, these services create a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
FAQ on the Chart of Scheduled Drugs, Adderall Scheduling, and Alcohol Schedule
What is the chart of scheduled drugs?
It’s the U.S. government’s system for classifying controlled substances into five schedules based on medical use, misuse potential, and dependence risk.
What schedule is Adderall?
Adderall is a Schedule II stimulant, tightly controlled due to its high misuse potential.
Is alcohol on the chart?
No. Alcohol is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. It is regulated separately.
What are schedule one drugs?
These include substances like heroin, LSD, and MDMA—considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse.
What are schedule two narcotics?
They are powerful opioids such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, and methadone—listed as narcotics due to their potency and misuse risks.
Why does this matter for addiction and mental health?
Scheduling affects how drugs are prescribed, researched, and accessed. Understanding it helps people see the balance between medical use, legal status, and treatment barriers.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Controlled substances—including those listed in the chart of scheduled drugs—must only be taken under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. Never begin, stop, or change your medication without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects, withdrawal symptoms, or thoughts of self-harm, call 911 in the United States or seek emergency medical care right away. For immediate mental health support, dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
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