Schedule II substances are characterized by which combination?

• A. No medical use and illegal
• B. High potential for abuse and dependence, with an accepted medical use
• C. Low potential for abuse and no medical use
• D. Moderate potential for abuse with no medical use

Answer: (B)

Drug scheduling groups substances by how likely they are to be misused and whether they have an accepted medical use. Schedule II is defined by a high potential for abuse and dependence, but with an accepted medical use. That means these drugs can be prescribed for legitimate medical conditions, but they carry a strong risk of physical or psychological dependence and are tightly regulated to prevent misuse. Examples like certain opioids and stimulant medications illustrate this balance: they provide important medical benefit when used correctly, yet their high abuse risk demands strict controls, such as limited prescribing rules and monitoring.

This combination doesn’t fit substances that have no medical use or that have lower abuse potential without dependence risk. It also isn’t about drugs with no medical use but moderate to low abuse potential. So the statement that best captures Schedule II is the one describing high abuse potential and dependence with an accepted medical use.