Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What does it mean if a drug is classified as Schedule 4?

1. It has a high potential for abuse

2. It has a low potential and a low risk of dependence

3. It has accepted medical uses

4. It is strictly illegal in all forms

The correct answer is: It has a low potential and a low risk of dependence

A drug classified as Schedule 4 indicates that it has a low potential for abuse relative to the substances in the higher schedules. Additionally, it is associated with a low risk of dependence. Schedule 4 drugs often include certain medical prescriptions that are used for therapeutic purposes, which makes them less strictly regulated compared to more dangerous drugs categorized in higher schedules. For example, medications such as some anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids fall into this classification. The classification recognizes that while there is some potential for misuse, it is not considered severe enough to warrant the same level of restriction as higher-scheduled substances. Understanding this classification can help in evaluating both the risks associated with these drugs and their acceptable medical uses.