NCJ Number
225358
Date Published
January 2009
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This report on the National Drug Control Strategy focuses on prevention efforts, treatment, and reduction in the supply of illegal drugs.
Abstract
The first chapter addresses prevention efforts intended to stop the initiation of drug use. Prevention programs include the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, State-level prescription drug monitoring programs, and community-based coalitions. The results of drug-testing programs have been particularly encouraging; random drug testing has substantially lowered rates of substance abuse in the military, the workplace, and in sports. The second chapter focuses on reducing drug abuse and addiction by expanding the reach and impact of treatment programs, such as Screening and Brief Intervention, Access to Recovery, and drug courts. Screening and Brief Intervention provides opportunities in health-care settings for screening individuals who may require assistance in stopping drug use before they become dependent. Drug courts combine the power of the courts with the rehabilitative potential of treatment. The third chapter describes initiatives designed to reduce the supply of drugs by disrupting the illegal market. Although the efforts of Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies have produced impressive results in interdicting drugs and drug-related finances, the greatest impact may be realized through international counterdrug partnerships. The success of cooperation with drug-source and drug-route countries, such as Colombia and Mexico has produced a significant reduction in the threat posed by narcoterrorists operating there. By investing in proven programs and cooperative mechanisms for prevention, treatment, and supply-reduction internationally and at all levels of American society, the tide against drug traffickers and drug use has turned and must be sustained in the years ahead. 18 figures and appended performance measurement reporting system