Controlled substances

Overview

The control of psychotropic substances, including new psychotropic substances (NPS) and those with medical purposes, can be essential to prevent abuse, misuse and dependence. However, as many controlled substances have continued medical use, access for patients in need is necessary. 

As part of the United Nations (UN) international drug control system, the World Health Organization (WHO) seeks to support the obligation of governments to establish a system of control that ensures both the adequate availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, and the prevention of substance abuse, diversion and trafficking. This is to promote the best health of populations around the world and protect the welfare of humankind.

WHO fulfils this role through:

• The Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), which recommends changes in the scope of control of substances to reduce the risk to public health as guided by the provisions in the drug Conventions, the risk of abuse and to ensure medical availability
• Promoting the initiation and strengthening of national and international programmes for the assessment, scheduling, control, and appropriate use of narcotic and psychotropic substances including those of plant origin and supporting such programmes by the development of appropriate guidelines
• Working with Member States and partners to ensure appropriate access to necessary pharmaceuticals for issues such as pain management and provides guidelines for health care professionals and policy makers on the supply and use of controlled substances based on research and consideration of local contexts
• Strengthening the coordination between WHO programmes relating to narcotic and psychotropic substances, dealing with drug policy and management, and other related programmes.
• Strengthening the collaboration with interested NGOs
• Considering relevant resolutions of governing bodies

How WHO works to prevent drug misuse, reduce harm and improve safe access to medicines to combat the public health dimension of the world drug problem

In 2016, the UN reaffirmed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to the health-related dimensions of the world drug problem. Accordingly, WHO plays a pivotal and unique role in addressing the public health and human rights dimensions of this global issue. This multi-sectoral approach, demanded by a multifaceted issue, includes public health, law enforcement, education and social policy efforts. However, these efforts must consider the global legal, political and economic challenges to addressing the world drug problem as well as human rights concerns.

Specific objectives include the prevention of drug misuse, treatment of drug use disorders and appropriate access to controlled substances as highlighted in the outcome document of the 13th special session of the General Assembly, Our joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem.

Click the links on the right to learn more about the key areas of work and for associated resources. 

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