NCCT Medical Assistant Practice Test – Prep, Study Guide & Practice Exam

Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug because it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. Schedule I substances are tightly controlled and illegal to manufacture, possess, or distribute. This classification reflects both the drug's potential for addiction and the fact that it lacks any accepted therapeutic benefits.

In contrast, the other substances listed—morphine, oxycodone, and codeine—are classified as Schedule II or III drugs. These opioids have legitimate medical uses and can be prescribed by healthcare professionals, although they also carry significant risks of abuse and dependence. The distinction between these schedules is crucial for understanding the legal framework surrounding substance use and the medical community's approach to pain management and addiction treatment.