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Prescription Drugs > Controlled Substances Act
In 1970, the U.S. government set up a system to control the use (and the abuse) of certain drugs and other substances used to produce drugs. The Controlled Substances Act divides drugs into five classes: narcotics, CNS depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens and anabolic steroids. Each class is made up of drugs that have similar effects when they're taken.
The reasons these drugs were placed under "control" is because they have a potential to be taken for non-medical reasons (or abused), may be harmful to use, or may cause physical dependence or addiction when not used under the direct supervision of a doctor or other healthcare professional.
You can read more about the Controlled Substances Act at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website.
Here is some other information on prescription drugs that you may find helpful. This information may help you understand what they are and why they are available only through a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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