Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What defines Schedule V drugs?

1. They have a high potential for abuse

2. They consist of preparations with limited quantities of certain narcotics

3. They are used solely for narcotic purposes

4. They are highly addictive with strict regulations

The correct answer is: They consist of preparations with limited quantities of certain narcotics

Schedule V drugs are defined by their low potential for abuse relative to Schedule I-IV drugs and consist of preparations that contain limited quantities of certain narcotics. These include medications that are typically used for antitussive (cough suppressing) purposes or in the treatment of diarrhea, among others. Examples often include cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams. This classification reflects a recognition of their medicinal value while still imposing some regulatory oversight to ensure they are not misused. The fact that they contain limited quantities of narcotics makes them distinct from drugs that fall into higher schedules, which have greater potential for abuse and more stringent control measures. The other options describe characteristics of drugs in different schedules, such as higher potential for abuse or stringent regulations which do not apply in the same way to Schedule V drugs.