Alcohol Addiction, Controlled Substances, and How to Seek Help
There’s a lot of confusion out there about whether or not alcohol is considered a controlled substance. The simple answer is no—alcohol is not a controlled substance in the United States. However, that doesn’t mean there are no laws regulating its use. In this blog post, we’ll clear up any confusion and give you all the information you need to know about alcohol and controlled substances.
Is alcohol taking a toll on your health?
Zinnia Health offers support to quit drinking in a way that’s tailored to your specific needs. We use an approach that has helped many people overcome their addiction to alcohol for good.
You don’t have to do this alone. With the help of our experienced team, you can break free from alcohol and start living the life you always wanted.
Call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 to get started.
Is Alcohol a Regulated Substance?
Alcohol is legal for adults 21 and over to purchase and consume in all states. It is regulated by the government, meaning it is illegal to sell, produce, or possess alcohol without a license. However, it is not considered a controlled substance in the same sense as illicit drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, or even prescription medications with a high potential for physical or psychological dependence, such as Xanax.
In the U.S., alcohol is regulated by individual states, not the federal government. This means that each state has its own set of rules and regulations surrounding the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol. For example, all states have laws prohibiting drunk driving and giving alcohol to minors.
Additionally, while alcohol itself is not a controlled substance, there are federal laws in place that regulate the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of alcohol. These laws are overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), a part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The TTB issues licenses to manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and importers of alcohol. They also collect taxes on alcoholic beverages. The control of alcohol production and sale in the United States also extends to states and localities.
What Are the Drugs That Are Considered Controlled Substances?
When it comes to drug classification, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) uses a system that puts drugs into different categories, or schedules, based on their perceived risks. The legal mechanism they use to do this is the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Schedule I drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), heroin, and cannabis, are considered to have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use.
Schedule II drugs, such as methamphetamine, oxycodone, Ritalin, Adderall, and cocaine, also have a high potential for drug abuse but are approved for medical use under certain circumstances.
Schedule III drugs occupy a middle ground, with a moderate to low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses. Schedule III drugs include products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (such as Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.
Schedule IV substances have a low potential for abuse and dependence. These drugs are generally considered safe for use, with few risks. Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Soma, Valium, and Ativan.
Schedule V drugs have even less potential for abuse and dependence and are often used to treat minor ailments like coughs and diarrhea. Preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics are classified as Schedule V. These drugs are usually safe for use with few side effects. Schedule V drugs include cough syrup (less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 ml), Lomotil, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Controlled substances can include depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and anabolic steroids. Depressants are drugs that slow down the central nervous system (CNS), such as alcohol and barbiturates. Stimulants are drugs that speed up the CNS, such as caffeine and amphetamines. Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations, such as LSD and PCP. Anabolic steroids are manufactured testosterone hormones that increase muscle mass and strength.
Although alcohol is not a controlled substance, Zinnia Health understands how difficult it is to live with the effects of alcohol abuse. For many people, alcohol abuse leads to relationship problems, financial difficulties, and job loss. It can also lead to health problems like liver disease, heart disease, and stroke.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, we can help. We offer a variety of treatment options, including detoxification, counseling, and group therapy. We also provide support for family and friends. Call our drug abuse hotline at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about how we can help you overcome alcohol addiction.
What Are the Penalties for Possessing a Controlled Substance?
Depending on the amount of the controlled substance and the state where the possession occurs, the penalties for possessing a controlled substance in the United States can range from a simple fine to a lengthy prison sentence.
In general, possessing a small amount of a controlled substance for personal use is considered a misdemeanor offense. In contrast, possession of larger amounts or possession with intent to sell is considered a felony.
Penalties also vary depending on the type of controlled substance involved or an existing criminal record. A first-time offender convicted of misdemeanor drug possession might be sentenced to probation and required to undergo drug counseling or treatment. A felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of one year or more.
In some states, repeat offenders or those convicted of possessing large amounts of drugs can be sentenced to mandatory minimum prison terms.
In addition to incarceration, other possible penalties for drug possession include fines, driver’s license suspension, and forfeiture of property.
The consequences of using controlled substances can be harsh. While there are very limited legal penalties surrounding alcohol possession when compared to controlled substances, heavy alcoholic drinking does bring a host of physically detrimental symptoms. Like controlled substances, we all understand that alcohol impairs judgment. And that’s not the only effect alcohol has on the body.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol on the Body?
Alcohol has a variety of effects on the body, both short and long-term.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to feel fatigued. Alcohol also affects your blood sugar levels, which can lead to feelings of dizziness and shakiness (alcohol tremors). It’s a depressant, which means it slows down your nervous system. This can cause slurred speech and slowed reaction times. In large amounts, it can even cause blackouts. Alcohol impairs your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses like the cold and flu.
Going through life feeling fatigued, dizzy, shaky, depressed, and sick all of the time from the effects of alcohol on your body is not a pleasant way to live. Alcohol is a powerful substance and if you’re struggling with this addiction, we can help.
Does Alcohol Cause Problems in Your Life?
Some people can take or leave alcohol. Others have a complicated relationship with it that can have a negative impact on their lives. If you find that your relationship with alcohol is starting to cause problems in your life, it’s crucial to get help and seek out an alcohol rehab facility near you.
Zinnia Health can provide you with the tools you need to make positive changes in your life. We offer various alcohol addiction treatment services to help you better understand your relationship with alcohol and make the right changes. We know that making these changes can be difficult, but we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Related Articles