Create a 8 page essay paper that discusses Regulations of Vicodin, Xanex, and Ritalin.Download file to see previous pages... Keywords: Vicodin, Xanax, Ritalin, Hydrocodone, Alprazolam, Regulation of D

Create a 8 page essay paper that discusses Regulations of Vicodin, Xanex, and Ritalin.

Keywords: Vicodin, Xanax, Ritalin, Hydrocodone, Alprazolam, Regulation of Drugs Vicodin, Xanex and Ritalin There are many illegal drugs within the United States that are constantly in the headlines as illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroine. These drugs present numerous problems related to drug abuse. However, there are other drugs that are legal prescription drugs that present a growing crisis in the United States. One of these legal drugs is Vicodin. (Drug Rehabs, 2000-2008). The following researched information will show what the regulations are for Vicodin in the United States as well as Xanax and Ritalin. The research will touch briefly on the history of the drugs, the use of the drugs and what the regulations are as far as its sell and distribution. The information will also show how it is classified with the U. S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The drug Vicodin was introduced into the United States in 1943 through approval by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. The drug was first manufactured in Germany as early as 1920. Hydrocodone as it is referred to is commonly used and often an abused drug. It is also referred to as Vicodin, Vikes, Hydro, and Norco. (California Law, (2012). What are its uses? Hydrocodone is basically a pain reliever, but can also be prescribed as a cough suppressant. Its availability is normally in capsule, tablet or syrup form. It is usually mixed with other drugs such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. The mixture is commonly seen in names such as Tylenol or Advil. In most cases the mixture of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is referred to as Vicodin. (California Law, 2012). It is noted that when the drug Hydrocodone is used in its pure form, it will be listed under the United States “Controlled Substance Act” as a Schedule II drug. However, it is very rarely used in its pure form. When it is mixed with other drugs it is listed under the Schedule III drug classification. Schedule III deals with reduced dosages of the drug. Schedule II drugs are classified as drugs that have a high potential to be abused. They are accepted as being approved for medical use but have specific limitations. They have the potential to lead to severe psychological and/or physical dependence if abused. (California Law, 2012). Schedule III drugs have a reduced potential for abuse since they are reduced dosage or low dosage drugs. They can lead to substantially lower risk of physical dependence or high psychological addiction if abused. Therefore, Schedule I and Schedule II drugs are the most common for abuse and risk of addiction. (California Law, 2012). Hydrocodone is not prescribed to cure pain. it only blocks pain signals sent to the brain temporarily. It is also used as a chronic cough suppressant as well. Hydrocodone is similar to Codeine. however, its strength is much stronger. Its strength has been compared to Morphine and Heroin. It has calming and euphoric effects, which makes it easy to obtain and easily abused. (California Law, 2012). It is noted that the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has recognized its potential for abuse and is considering tighter restrictions on all drugs that contain Hydrocodone, which would be the entire Schedule II, listed as controlled substances. It is also noted that more people die from abuse of legal drugs than illegal drugs.