Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What distinguishes Schedule IV drugs from others?

1. They have a low potential for abuse and limited medical uses

2. They are newly discovered substances

3. They have the highest potential for severe dependence

4. They are completely legal without prescription

The correct answer is: They have a low potential for abuse and limited medical uses

Schedule IV drugs are characterized by their low potential for abuse compared to drugs classified in higher schedules, such as I, II, and III. The criteria for scheduling drugs in the Controlled Substances Act take into account their potential for abuse, medical usefulness, and safety profiles. Schedule IV drugs, such as benzodiazepines, have accepted medical uses with a lower risk of dependence and abuse, making them distinct in their regulation. In the context of other possible classifications, Schedule IV drugs should not be confused with substances that are newly discovered, as these can fall into various categories and not necessarily correspond to any specific schedule. Additionally, they do not have the highest potential for severe dependence; that distinction belongs to Schedule I and II substances. Lastly, Schedule IV drugs are not entirely legal without a prescription; they require a prescription for legal use while still being restricted due to their potential for lesser abuse. Therefore, the defining characteristic of Schedule IV drugs is indeed their lower potential for abuse and their acceptance for medical use under controlled circumstances.