JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

Which of these schedules indicates drugs with the lowest potential for abuse?

1. Schedule I

2. Schedule III

3. Schedule II

4. Schedule IV

The correct answer is: Schedule IV

The designation of controlled substances is categorized by the potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule IV drugs are classified as having a lower potential for abuse compared to the other schedules. They can lead to limited physical or psychological dependence relative to the substances classified in Schedule III. Drugs in Schedule I are considered to have the highest potential for abuse, with no accepted medical use in the United States, making them highly restricted. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse as well but are recognized for medical use under strict regulations. Schedule III drugs have a moderate potential for abuse, and while they are more controlled than Schedule IV substances, they still allow for accepted medical applications. In contrast, Schedule IV drugs encompass substances that are still regulated but are viewed as presenting only a low risk of addiction or abuse, thus allowing for more lenient medical use. Therefore, the identification of Schedule IV drugs as those with the lowest potential for abuse is accurate, reflecting their relative safety in comparison to the higher categories of controlled substances.