What is the correct term for medications that might lead to abuse or addiction?

Scheduled medications is the correct term for medications that might lead to abuse or addiction. These medications are classified as controlled substances and are regulated by law due to their potential for misuse and dependency. The scheduling system categorizes these substances based on their accepted medical use and the level of risk associated with their abuse.

Schedule I substances, for instance, are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. As the schedule number decreases, the potential for abuse also typically decreases, and accepted medical uses increase. This regulatory framework is essential for ensuring that medications are used safely and appropriately, minimizing the risk of addiction.

In contrast, noncontrolled substances are not classified under this regulation and do not pose the same level of risk for addiction. Vitamins and placebo medications also lack the potential for abuse or addiction as they either serve a dietary purpose or have no pharmacological effect, respectively. Understanding this classification is key in nursing practice, especially when it comes to the administration of medications with potential for abuse and the responsibilities associated with delegating such tasks.