Correct use of terms in a manuscript or policy statement is important to meet the objectives of the paper. Inappropriate terms can be counter-productive. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following: 'Terminology in national drug control legislation and policies should be clear and unambiguous in order not to confuse the use of controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes with misuse' and terminology should always be respectful. This commentary lists English language terminology that can impair access to controlled medicines for the treatment of pain and suffering (an objective of the international substance control conventions), including pain management and the treatment of opioid dependence. The commentary also suggests alternative wording. Assessment of terminology correctness is language sensitive and should therefore be conducted by native speakers. In all language communities, advocates should explore and discuss the terminology with health-care professionals and their clients/patients, and they should promote the use of correct vocabulary.
Keywords: access to medicines; controlled substances; dependence; pain treatment; terminology.