Substances classified as Schedule II are characterized by which of the following?

Substances classified as Schedule II are primarily characterized by their high potential for abuse. This classification indicates that while these substances can be accepted for medical use, their ability to lead to severe psychological or physical dependence is significant. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) places these substances in Schedule II to ensure strict regulations around their prescription and distribution to mitigate the risk of misuse and addiction.

A Schedule II designation allows these drugs to be prescribed for legitimate medical purposes, reflecting their value in treatment. However, this potential for abuse is the defining factor for their scheduling. It emphasizes the need for careful monitoring in medical settings and controls over prescribing practices. Thus, while options that suggest accepted medical use or limited research application provide some context, they do not capture the essential characteristic that defines Schedule II substances.