NCJ Number
198790
Date Published
2003
Length
507 pages
Annotation
This book addresses three of the most pivotal areas of today’s drug problem: drug abuse, drug trafficking, and drug control policy. The focus is on drugs, addictions, dealers, corrupt officials, “narcs,” the courts, personal and public values, public policy, the laws, and the rising numbers of ruined communities and families throughout the country, giving readers insight into formulating possible solutions to America’s drug dilemma.
Abstract
For many Americans the drug problem is abstract and involves other people and occurs somewhere else. However, for the scores of people who are involved with the illicit drug trade there is no respect for American laws. As the industry begins to command more loyalty, from some parts of the population than the law, the civil government and the principles of a free society are slowly eroded. This book’s purpose is to address America’s drug problem in a realistic fashion of objective consideration given to both liberal and conservative social perspectives. Its designed to offer a logical flow of information organized in three parts each containing chapters that focus on the many areas of America’s drug problem, giving readers a foundation for critical thinking and rational decision-making within the multidisciplinary field. Part I, Understanding the Problem, addresses the history of drug abuse and the development of drug control policy, drug pharmacology, theories of drug abuse, the role of source countries in drug trafficking, and drug-related crimes that support the illicit drug industry. Part II, Gangs and Drugs, discusses the involvement of organized crime in the drug trade. Lastly, Part III, Fighting Back, discusses the role of Federal drug enforcement organizations, drug laws, and drug enforcement initiatives in dealing with the problem. It examines critical issues, such as drug courier profiling, covert police initiatives, legalizing medical marijuana, needle exchange programs, drug testing in the workplace and at home, and drug abuse in sports. References