What system is used to categorize controlled substances?

The system used to categorize controlled substances is known as "schedules." This classification is established by federal and state laws to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use of drugs. Controlled substances are organized into five different schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

For example, Schedule I substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule II substances also have high potential for abuse but are recognized for some medical use, albeit under strict regulations. This system helps to balance the need for access to medications against the need to prevent abuse and protect public health.

The other options—classes, groups, and categories—do not reflect the standardized legal framework that is specifically designed for controlled substances. These terms may be used in different contexts within medicine or pharmacology, but they do not serve as the official method for overseeing controlled substances in the way that schedules do.