A drug of addiction has addictive properties and is commonly referred to as a Schedule 8 drug or narcotic. Schedule 8 medicines take their name from the fact that they are included in Schedule 8 of the Poisons Act 1964. These medicines have an important therapeutic use in the treatment of severe pain. Some of the more commonly prescribed Schedule 8 drugs include morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl.

The Department of Health is responsible for ensuring that drugs of dependence are prescribed and dispensed in accordance with the Poisons Regulations 1965.