NCJ Number
164685
Date Published
1963
Length
127 pages
Annotation
This final report of the President's Advisory Commission on Narcotic and Drug Abuse recommends a Federal strategy of drug control that involves education, research, control of drug trafficking, drug treatment, and civil commitment.
Abstract
The Commission was appointed by the President to recommend a program "to prevent the abuse of narcotic and non-narcotic drugs and to provide appropriate rehabilitation for habitual drug misusers." The Commission was also requested to "review and evaluate the programs and operations of each Federal agency that presently has law-enforcement functions or other statutory responsibilities directed toward the prevention of narcotic and drug abuse or the rehabilitation of habitual drug misusers" and to make recommendations "for improving the effectiveness of such programs and operations, including cooperation with and assistance to State and local governments by Federal agencies." The general philosophy of the Commission is stated in three principles: the illegal traffic in drugs should be attacked with the full power of the Federal Government; the individual drug abuser should be rehabilitated; and drug users who violate the law by small purchases or sales should be made to recognize what society demands of them. The Commission believes that the Federal Government has the primary power and therefore the basic responsibility regarding foreign and interstate commerce. It should therefore seek to check the illicit importation, manufacture, and transfer of narcotic and dangerous drugs. It should assist in the education of the public and professional groups on the nature and effects of drug abuse. Further, it should ensure that these drugs are safe and efficacious and that they are used only for legitimate medical and scientific purposes. It should conduct extensive research on drug abuse and assist State and local governments as well as private organizations in conducting research. The Federal Government should also provide for the rehabilitation of Federal offenders who have a history of serious drug abuse and assist State and local governments and private agencies in their treatment programs. The Commission notes that the current activity of the Federal Government in addressing drug abuse is fragmented. The Commission offers recommendations to improve the focus, priorities, and coordination of Federal drug policies. Appended statements on drug use by health organizations and a directory of American Social Health Association facilities that provide services for narcotic users