Administrative Controlled Substances Code Number

Administrative Controlled Substances Code Number (ACSCN) is a unique identifier assigned to substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the United States. The ACSCN is used by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal agencies to track the manufacture, distribution, and regulation of controlled substances. Each controlled substance is categorized into one of five schedules based on its potential for abuse, medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

Overview

The Controlled Substances Act, enacted in 1970, established a legal framework for regulating potentially harmful or addictive drugs. The DEA, as part of the U.S. Department of Justice, is tasked with enforcing the CSA. The ACSCN is a critical tool in this enforcement, allowing for precise identification and tracking of substances.

Scheduling of Substances

Controlled substances are divided into five schedules under the CSA:

• Schedule I: Substances with a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Examples include heroin, LSD, and marijuana (though state laws on marijuana vary).
• Schedule II: Substances with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are considered dangerous. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
• Schedule III: Substances with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs, a currently accepted medical use in the United States, and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Examples include anabolic steroids and certain compounds containing codeine.
• Schedule IV: Substances with a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III substances, a currently accepted medical use in the United States, and abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence relative to Schedule III substances. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium).
• Schedule V: Substances with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV substances, consisting primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Examples include cough preparations containing less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams.

Use of ACSCN

The ACSCN is used in various regulatory, enforcement, and administrative contexts. It is a key component in the tracking and reporting of controlled substances manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing. The number helps in the identification of substances on prescriptions, labels, and in regulatory filings. It is also used in research and policy analysis related to drug abuse and controlled substances regulation.

Conclusion

The Administrative Controlled Substances Code Number is an essential element in the regulation and control of drugs and substances under the Controlled Substances Act. By providing a unique identifier for each substance, the ACSCN facilitates the effective monitoring, enforcement, and study of controlled substances in the United States.