Which schedule of drugs is characterized by having a low potential for abuse and dependence?

The correct choice is based on the classification of controlled substances, which is governed by the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. Schedule IV drugs are indeed characterized by having a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence compared to drugs in higher schedules.

Schedule IV substances include medications such as benzodiazepines and certain sleep aids that are considered to have therapeutic uses and a lower likelihood of addiction. Because they are seen as safer and have accepted medical uses, they are subject to less stringent regulations than drugs classified in schedules I, II, or III.

In contrast, other schedules contain drugs with higher abuse potential or risk of dependence. For instance, Schedule I includes drugs with no accepted medical use and the highest potential for abuse, while Schedule II drugs are tightly controlled due to their high potential for abuse and severe dependence. Schedule III drugs have a moderate potential for abuse but are still considered higher risk than those in Schedule IV. This hierarchy of classification highlights the relative risk associated with each schedule.