NCJ Number
150857
Date Published
1993
Length
42 pages
Annotation
Drug abuse constitutes a serious domestic problem in the United States, particularly since violence is frequently linked to illegal drugs and excessive alcohol consumption, and communities need a comprehensive drug control strategy.
Abstract
Community coalitions are needed to fight drug abuse, and such coalitions involve the media, child protection agencies, business groups, and other community agencies. Types of community coalitions include freestanding, community partnership, government-sponsored, and nongovernment and nonprofit coalitions. Activities of community coalitions generally focus on drug abuse prevention, early intervention, treatment and aftercare, and tobacco use. Community coalitions need adequate funding, effective leadership and organization, strategy development, media advocacy, school and community-based prevention programs, and treatment components. Leaders of community coalitions indicate the following national policy priorities related to drug abuse, in order of priority: restricting alcohol advertisements, lowering legal blood alcohol limits for young drivers, increasing alcohol taxes, lowering legal blood alcohol limits for adult drivers, increasing financial grants to community coalitions, increasing local law enforcement of drug and alcohol laws, increasing penalties for selling drugs, providing funds for treatment on demand, and increasing penalties for drug possession.