National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

In which schedule do substances potentially lead to high psychological dependence?

1. Schedule I

2. Schedule II

3. Schedule III

4. Schedule IV

The correct answer is: Schedule III

Substances classified in Schedule II are known to have a high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. These substances include powerful medications that have legitimate medical uses but also carry a significant risk for addiction. For example, opioids and strong stimulants fall into this category due to their effectiveness in treating pain or attention deficit disorders, combined with their potential for misuse. The other schedules vary in their control levels and potential for abuse. Schedule I substances, such as heroin and LSD, have no accepted medical use in the U.S. and a high potential for abuse, but they are not legally prescribed. Schedule III and Schedule IV substances, while they do have a potential for abuse, generally have lower dependence risks compared to Schedule II. For instance, Schedule III may include drugs like anabolic steroids or certain depressants, which are less likely to lead to severe psychological dependence than those in Schedule II. Thus, the classification of Schedule II accurately reflects the high risk of psychological dependence associated with its substances, making it the correct answer.