BackgroundThe unavailability of psychotropic and analgesic drugs for medical purposes results in suffering that goes unrelieved. Their excessive availability results in overmedication and suffering of a different kind.AimsTo highlight the discrepancies between the demand for and supply of controlled drugs for licit purposes by different communities, and to promote their rational utilisation.MethodReview of the United Nations, World Health Organization and other literature on the licit use of narcotic analgesics and psychotropic substances.ResultsThereare large differences in the use of psychotropics and analgesics by different countries. The differences between industrialised and non-industrialised countries are particularly striking. There is evidence of unmet need in some countries and overutilisation in others.ConclusionsGovernments, international organisations, health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry must work together to ensure an adequate supply of psychotropic and analgesic drugs for medical and scientific purposes, and to implement appropriate measures to minimise the development of misuse and dependence.