What is the potential for abuse associated with Schedule II drugs?

What is the potential for abuse associated with Schedule II drugs?

• A. Low potential for abuse and limited dependence
• B. Moderate potential for abuse, with some risk of dependence
• C. High potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.
• D. No accepted medical use and extreme risk

Answer: (C)

High potential for abuse is the key idea. Schedule II drugs have legitimate medical uses, but they carry a strong risk of misuse that can lead to both psychological dependence (craving the drug) and physical dependence (tolerance and withdrawal). Because of this, these drugs are tightly controlled and prescriptions are carefully regulated. Examples include morphine, fentanyl, methadone, and oxycodone. This combination of medical usefulness with high abuse risk is what makes the correct description that they may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence the best fit.

High potential for abuse is the key idea. Schedule II drugs have legitimate medical uses, but they carry a strong risk of misuse that can lead to both psychological dependence (craving the drug) and physical dependence (tolerance and withdrawal). Because of this, these drugs are tightly controlled and prescriptions are carefully regulated. Examples include morphine, fentanyl, methadone, and oxycodone. This combination of medical usefulness with high abuse risk is what makes the correct description that they may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence the best fit.