Which scheduling status is associated with moderately addicting drugs that may lead to limited dependence?

Which scheduling status is associated with moderately addicting drugs that may lead to limited dependence?

• A. Schedule I
• B. Schedule II
• C. Schedule III
• D. Schedule IV

Answer: (C)

Classification of controlled substances by potential for abuse and dependence. Moderate addictiveness with the possibility of limited dependence fits Schedule III because these substances have an accepted medical use and a lower to moderate potential for abuse compared with the highest schedules. They may lead to moderate or low physical dependence and, importantly, a relatively high likelihood of psychological dependence. This places them between the higher-risk schedules (which have greater physical dependence and abuse potential) and schedules with even lower abuse potential. Schedules I and II are associated with high abuse potential and limited or no accepted medical use, so they don’t match “moderately addicting.” Schedule IV has lower abuse potential than Schedule III, with only limited dependence, which makes it less fitting for the description of moderate addictiveness. Therefore, the status described aligns best with Schedule III.

Classification of controlled substances by potential for abuse and dependence.

Moderate addictiveness with the possibility of limited dependence fits Schedule III because these substances have an accepted medical use and a lower to moderate potential for abuse compared with the highest schedules. They may lead to moderate or low physical dependence and, importantly, a relatively high likelihood of psychological dependence. This places them between the higher-risk schedules (which have greater physical dependence and abuse potential) and schedules with even lower abuse potential.

Schedules I and II are associated with high abuse potential and limited or no accepted medical use, so they don’t match “moderately addicting.” Schedule IV has lower abuse potential than Schedule III, with only limited dependence, which makes it less fitting for the description of moderate addictiveness. Therefore, the status described aligns best with Schedule III.