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

Which drug schedule is considered the most restricted?

1. Schedule II

2. Schedule I

3. Schedule III

4. Schedule IV

The correct answer is: Schedule I

The most restricted drug schedule is Schedule I, which is designated for substances that have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in the United States. Drugs classified under Schedule I are considered to pose the highest risk of dependency and abuse, leading to their significant legal restrictions. Substances in this category are not available for medical use and cannot be prescribed or dispensed, emphasizing the stringent regulatory measures in place. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana (at the federal level), which are closely monitored and heavily penalized if misused. This classification reflects a strong stance against their availability, restricting their access not only for recreational use but also for research and clinical studies unless under very specific circumstances. In contrast, the other schedules like Schedule II, Schedule III, and Schedule IV include drugs that have accepted medical uses, albeit with varying degrees of restriction based on their potential for abuse, which is lower than that of Schedule I drugs. These schedules allow for prescription and regulated use under specific guidelines, making them less restricted compared to Schedule I substances.