Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What kind of drugs are likely to have severe dependence according to their schedule classification?

1. Schedule I and II drugs

2. Schedule III and IV drugs

3. Non-controlled substances

4. Synthetic cannabinoids

The correct answer is: Schedule I and II drugs

Schedule I and II drugs are classified as substances that have a high potential for abuse and severe psychological or physical dependence. This classification indicates that these drugs are often at the forefront of concern regarding addiction and dependence issues. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin or LSD, are deemed to have no accepted medical use in the United States and carry the highest risk of abuse. Schedule II drugs include substances like morphine or cocaine, which do have recognized medical uses but still bear a high potential for severe dependence and addiction. In contrast, substances classified as Schedule III and IV have a lower potential for abuse compared to those in Schedule I and II, making them less likely to result in severe dependence. Non-controlled substances do not fall under any schedule and typically have minimal or nonexistent risks of dependence. Synthetic cannabinoids can have unpredictable effects and risks, but they are not classified using the official schedule system, making them a less reliable indicator of severe dependency when compared to the defined schedules. Thus, the correct answer identifies the most severe classifications associated with drug dependence.