What term is used for drugs identified by the Controlled Substance Act that have a potential for abuse?

The term used for drugs identified by the Controlled Substance Act that have a potential for abuse is "controlled substances." This classification is crucial because it regulates substances that can lead to addiction and dependency. The Controlled Substances Act categorizes these drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical uses, and safety under medical supervision.

Controlled substances include a wide range of drugs, from opioids to stimulants, and are subject to strict regulations regarding their prescribing, dispensing, and distribution. By classifying drugs as controlled substances, the law aims to prevent abuse and ensure they are used appropriately in medical settings.

Other options, such as over-the-counter drugs, refer to medications that can be purchased without a prescription and are not considered to have a significant potential for abuse. Prescription medications could encompass both controlled substances and non-controlled ones but lack the specificity of identifying drugs with potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are a specific category of controlled substances that are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, illustrating a narrower scope within the broader category of controlled substances.