Which schedule of controlled substances has a moderate to low potential for addiction and abuse?

The schedule of controlled substances that has a moderate to low potential for addiction and abuse is Schedule III. This classification includes substances that are considered to have a lower risk of dependency compared to those in Schedules I and II. Schedule III medications can still lead to some level of physical or psychological dependence, but it is generally less severe than the high potential seen in the higher schedules.

For instance, substances in Schedule III include certain anabolic steroids and medications like buprenorphine. These substances are recognized for their therapeutic uses, hence they are available with a prescription, but with more regulations than substances with a higher addiction potential.

The reason other schedules are categorized differently is due to their potential for misuse and dependence. Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule II substances have a high potential for addiction, and while they are used in medical settings (like opioids), they are tightly controlled. Schedule IV includes substances with a lower potential for addiction (like certain anti-anxiety medications), but still more than III, making III the correct choice for moderate to low potential for addiction and abuse.