Recently the narcotic Vicodin was reclassified by the DEA, being changed from a CIII to a CII. There are a few circumstances in which the DEA can and will reevaluate and reclassify controlled substances, and Vicodin met these criterion.
Do a basic web search to research the DEA criterion for reclassifying a controlled substance.
- Do you believe they were justified in their decision?
- Does this help to control the overuse without preventing patients from getting the medication who actually need it?
- Or does it delay and make it harder for patients to get the medication and do little to control the abuse?
Find research to support your position and write a 2-page paper that defends your stance, using APA format. Remember to cite all your sources. You will be scored on your grammar and organization as well, so be sure and spend time revising before submitting.
Please make sure they are 2 complete pages
How to solve
Why Does the DEA Reclassify? Nursing Assignment Help
Introduction:
Reclassifying controlled substances is a complex decision that must be made by the DEA based on specific criteria. Recently, the narcotic Vicodin was reclassified from a CIII to a CII. The following is a response to a prompt to research the DEA criterion for reclassifying controlled substances and provide my opinion on whether the decision to reclassify Vicodin was justified. Additionally, I will evaluate whether the reclassification helps control overuse without preventing patients from receiving the medication they need or if it does little to control abuse and makes it more difficult for patients to obtain the medication.
Answer:
The DEA reclassifies controlled substances based on specific criteria that outline the potential for abuse and the medical value of a drug. The criteria include evidence of actual abuse and dependence, risks associated with use, and potential harm to public health. The decision to reclassify Vicodin was justified based on these criteria. Vicodin is a highly addictive drug that has been overused and abused, leading to serious health consequences and a rise in overdose deaths. Reclassifying it as a CII drug restricts access to it, which can discourage its use and reduce the risk of dependence. While this may make it harder for some patients to get the medication, it can also be viewed as a necessary measure to control the abuse of the drug and avoid unnecessary harm to public health.
Research indicates that reclassifying Vicodin and other highly addictive drugs can significantly reduce their abuse rates. According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, reclassification of hydrocodone (the active ingredient in Vicodin) from a CIII to a CII controlled substance resulted in an 11% decrease in the overall hydrocodone prescriptions in the first year following reclassification. Further, it led to a decrease in the number of new users of the drug, indicating that reclassification may deter unnecessary use of the drug. This suggests that reclassification can help control overuse while still making the medication available for those patients who genuinely require it.
In conclusion, the decision to reclassify Vicodin was justified based on the DEA’s criteria for reclassifying controlled substances. While it may make it harder for some patients to obtain the medication, it is necessary to reduce the risks associated with the drug and avoid potential harm to public health from abuse and overuse. Additionally, research indicates that reclassification can significantly reduce the abuse rates of highly addictive drugs, thus supporting the decision to reclassify Vicodin.
