NCJ Number
205464
Date Published
2004
Length
112 pages
Annotation
This report presents Iowa’s 2004 Drug Control Policy, as directed under Chapter 80E.1 of the Code of Iowa.
Abstract
According to the United Nations, synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, are quickly becoming the most problematic class of illegal drugs worldwide. In Iowa, despite persistent enforcement efforts by Federal, State, and local agencies, the methamphetamine epidemic continues to plague communities. During 2002, law enforcement seized 58,701 grams of methamphetamine; during the first 9 months of 2003, 123,761 grams were seized. Following an executive summary that underscores the threat posed to Iowa by the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamine, the second section presents the accomplishments of Iowa’s 2003 Drug Control Strategy, which included the five goals of: (1) reducing the demand for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; (2) improving the well-being of Iowa citizens by reducing substance abuse; (3) reducing the supply of illicit drugs; (4) enhancing the criminal justice system response to substance abusing offenders; and (5) maximizing the effectiveness of the Iowa drug control strategy by engaging in qualitative and quantitative analyses of program processes and outcomes. The next section presents the 2004 strategy goals, which remain the same as the 2003 goals, and supported by clear objectives, action steps recommended to reach the objectives, and clear outcome measurements that allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the 2004 strategy. The following section presents the substance use profile, by substance, of Iowa’s adult population and youth population. General observations of drug use in the Iowa adult population reveal that several indicators describe the growth or decline of drug abuse: number of adults seeking substance abuse treatment; drug-related arrests; indictable misdemeanor and felony drug charges; and rates of drug-related convictions. Rates of juvenile arrests for drug-related offenses serve as an indicator of the state of juvenile drug use in Iowa. Findings show that alcohol and marijuana are the most abused drugs by adults in Iowa, while marijuana followed by methamphetamine are the most abused drugs by young people in Iowa. The next section describes current State efforts and available resources to reduce drug abuse among Iowa’s population. The final section presents information in table format on fiscal year 2004 State and Federal funding of Iowa’s substance abuse and drug enforcement programs. Figures, tables