NCJ Number
166044
Date Published
1995
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes trends in juvenile drug use, drug abuse, and other drug issues in recent years and concludes that the Clinton Administration needs to change its policies and adopt a balanced drug strategy that targets prevention and treatment resources to areas of need while absolutely ensuring strong Federal drug law enforcement efforts.
Abstract
Ambiguous cultural messages and changing attitudes among youth have contributed to a sharp increase in juvenile drug use. In addition, the increased use of heroin and methamphetamine by the population at large threatens to generate vast new addict populations. However, cuts to enforcement programs have frustrated the efforts of line agents and police officers. Cuts in drug interdiction have permitted the importation of vast quantities of illegal drugs helping to ensure the creation of a new generation of addicts and complicating the job of every Federal, State, and local law enforcement officer trying to push back the tide of violent crime generated by the drug trade. The Administration needs to ensure a balance that includes targeted prevention and treatment together with strong support for Federal enforcement and interdiction systems to keep the country free from the terror of violent crime and the other disastrous social consequences of illegal drug use. Figures and footnotes