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

On which drug schedule is cocaine classified?

1. Schedule I

2. Schedule II

3. Schedule III

4. Schedule IV

The correct answer is: Schedule II

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification reflects the fact that while cocaine has a high potential for abuse, it also has accepted medical uses, particularly as a local anesthetic in certain surgical procedures. Schedule II substances are defined as drugs that have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. However, they can be prescribed and used in medical settings under strict regulations. Cocaine's medical use is restricted, which differentiates it from Schedule I substances that are seen as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedules III and IV contain substances with lower potential for abuse and are used for medical purposes under even less restrictive guidelines, making them unsuitable for cocaine's classification which acknowledges its specific medical indications and higher potential for misuse.