What describes a controlled substance?

• A. Drugs with no potential for abuse are controlled.
• B. Drugs that have potential for abuse by humans are controlled.
• C. Any medication used for a veterinarian only.
• D. Substances that are not regulated.

Answer: (B)

Controlled substances are drugs that have the potential for abuse or dependence, which is why they are regulated by law. The correct statement captures this idea: if a drug can be misused by people, it falls under control measures, regardless of whether it’s used in animals, humans, or both. In veterinary practice, this means meds like morphine, fentanyl, ketamine, diazepam, and pentobarbital require secure storage, meticulous records, and restricted dispensing because of their abuse potential.

The other descriptions aren’t accurate because a non-abusable drug wouldn’t be controlled, being used only in animals isn’t what defines a controlled substance, and being unregulated contradicts the regulatory framework that exists to prevent abuse.