Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

How are Schedule IV drugs categorized?

1. High potential for abuse

2. Low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence

3. Not controlled substances

4. Extremely addictive substances

The correct answer is: Low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence

Schedule IV drugs are categorized as having a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence. This classification is based on the assessment of abuse potential and the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder associated with these drugs. Drugs in this category include medications that are commonly used for therapeutic purposes, such as anti-anxiety medications (like benzodiazepines) and certain sleep aids. While they can be misused, the overall risk of significant abuse and dependence is considered lower than that of drugs in higher schedule categories. In contrast, other categories define substances based on higher risks: Schedule I drugs are deemed to have no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse, while Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but are available for medical use under strict regulations. Thus, those classifications do not align with the characteristics of Schedule IV drugs.