Which schedule is described as having moderate potential for abuse, and high psychological dependence or moderate/low physical dependence?

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

Answer: (A)

Understanding how drug schedules categorize abuse potential and dependence helps explain why Schedule III fits this description. Schedule III substances are recognized as having a moderate potential for abuse, lower than Schedule II but higher than Schedule IV and V, and they have a currently accepted medical use. The dependence pattern associated with them can be moderate to low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. In other words, people may develop strong mental cravings or addictive patterns, while physical withdrawal is not as severe as with higher-risk drugs. This combination—moderate abuse potential with either high psychological dependence or moderate/low physical dependence—matches Schedule III best. By contrast, Schedule II involves high abuse potential with the possibility of severe physical or psychological dependence; Schedule IV has lower abuse potential with more limited dependence; Schedule V has the lowest.