National and international regulation of opioid drugs: purpose, structures, benefits and risks.

The established international and national drug control systems have been successful in preventing diversion from legitimate producers of opioids to illicit channels. This has contributed to a reduction of opioid abuse and related illegal activities. However, the systems have fostered concepts and attitudes that have limited access to opioid drugs, which the international treaties recognize are indispensable for the reduction of pain and the treatment of other conditions. Patients who have a legitimate need for the relief that these drugs can provide have become the unintended victims of the drug control systems.