Classification of Legal and Illegal Drugs

Classification of Legal and Illegal Drugs

You will provide an assessment of the various classes of drugs, paying specific attention to the addictive quality of each drug. You will evaluate the classifications of both legal and illegal stimulants (nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine), depressants (alcohol, heroin, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines), hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, Ecstasy, and Ketamine), and marijuana. The assessment should include the definition of each class as well as a comparison of the various classes with the different types of drugs. You should also provide a discussion of the government’s decision in placing the classification on each drug and a determination of whether the classification continues to be warranted today or if new research provides a rationale for changing the classification.

The paper will be a minimum of 4 pages of written text (the cover page and reference page do not count in the page minimum).

In addition to fulfilling the specifics of the assignment, a successful paper must also meet the following criteria:

10 – 12 point font (Arial, Courier, and Times New Roman are acceptable)
Viewpoint and purpose should be clearly established and sustained
Assignment should follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.)
Writing should be well ordered, logical and unified, as well as original and insightful
Your work should display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics
Appropriate citation style should be followed
You should also make sure to:

Include an introductory and concluding paragraph and demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard English
Use examples to support your discussion
Cite all sources on a separate reference page at the end of your paper and cite within the body of your paper using APA format and citation style. For more information on APA guidelines, visit Academic Tools.