What classification do controlled substances typically fall under?

Controlled substances are classified based on their potential for abuse, the accepted medical use within the United States, and their safety or dependence liability. The classification system, established by the Controlled Substances Act, designates substances into different schedules ranging from Schedule I, which are considered the most dangerous with no accepted medical use, down to Schedule V, which have the least potential for abuse.

Schedule II substances are those that have a high potential for abuse, have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S., but also pose a significant risk of dependence. Common examples of Schedule II drugs include opioids like oxycodone and stimulants like amphetamine. Their classification reflects the strict regulations governing their prescription and dispensing to prevent misuse while still allowing access for legitimate medical purposes.

Other schedules, such as Schedule I, encompass substances that are deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, making them legally restricted from medical use. Schedule III and IV substances have a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule II, leading to more lenient regulations, but they do not fit the high-risk profile of drugs in Schedule II.