Controlled Dangerous Substances, or CDS, are drugs that are listed in New Jersey under various Schedules (I, II, III, IV, and V) based on several factors. The scheduling system is used to regulate the sale and use of the drugs based on their level of addictiveness and danger if a person is using, selling or distributing them.
Schedule I includes a highly dangerous and addictive street drug such as heroin. Schedule II would include opium and cocaine. Schedule III includes Valium, amphetamine, anabolic steroids, and codeine.
Schedule IV is a category that includes drugs that are found by the state to have a low propensity for abuse in comparison with the drugs listed in Schedule III. These drugs have a medical use in the United States that is currently accepted, but they can lead to physical and psychological dependence. These drugs can be very dangerous if misused or abused and the penalties for possession, selling or distributing can be serious.
Schedule IV drugs might overlap with those in Schedule III, but usually that is due to the dosage and combinations used.
Xanax (Alprazolam) is used to treat depression, anxiety and nervousness. It can lead to an increased sociability, euphoria, tiredness and the feeling of being sedated. It can work quickly and is addictive. Side effects of this drug can be as innocuous as light-headedness and dizziness, but if the drug is abused, the side effects can be more serious with depression, suicide, hallucinations, anger, aggressiveness and convulsions.
Ambien is a popular sleeping pill and is used to treat insomnia. It can lead to amnesia and a total inability to remember what happened when the user was under the drug’s influence. Medically, it is used for people who have trouble falling or staying asleep. This drug can be very dangerous as individuals have stated that they have made telephone calls, driven, among other things without any memory of having done them. Overdose symptoms include fainting, confusion, shortness of breath and respiratory problems that can be life-threatening. People who stop using Ambien suddenly can experience insomnia, nausea, panic attacks, irritability, tremors and seizures.
Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety and also to help cancer patients deal with nausea. It creates a feeling of calmness and well-being and acts quickly due to it being administered by tablet and liquid. Because of that, it has to be used more frequently to maintain its effects. This is a highly addictive medication. People suffering from withdrawal may experienced nausea, vomiting, sweating and seizures.
All of the drugs listed in Schedule IV are legal when prescribed by a medical professional, but because of their known uses and effects, they are popular for people trying to use them for purposes not condoned by the medical community or law enforcement. Listed as a Schedule IV CDS, these can lead to serious legal problems if a person is caught under their influence, in possession without a prescription or has an amount that is deemed to be for sale or distribution.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime involving a Schedule IV listed drug, you need to hire a qualified attorney. The law firm of Villani & DeLuca in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey is knowledgeable regarding the New Jersey drug laws and can explain your rights and help you defend your case.
Whether your involvement with a Schedule IV drug was a misunderstanding or a mistake, you have rights. Making a bad mistake worse by leaving yourself or your loved one at the mercy of the New Jersey legal system can have extended ramifications to a person’s life. Jail time, heavy fines and other punitive measures are possible under New Jersey law and if you have been arrested, Villani & DeLuca can help you. If the alleged crime occurred in the towns of Red Bank, Long Branch, Toms River, Asbury Park or anywhere else in Ocean County or Monmouth County, you need proper legal representation. Call Villani & DeLuca today to discuss your case involving a Schedule IV drug.
