Foreword
This
report provides information on progress over the past year in implementing
the National Drug Control Strategy. It details trends in
drug use and availability; assesses the costs of drug abuse to our
society; and outlines accomplishments of federal prevention, treatment,
law enforcement, interdiction, and international programs.
We
remain committed to the Strategy that focuses on shrinking
America's demand for drugs, through prevention and treatment, and
attacking the supply of drugs through law enforcement and international
cooperation.
Drug
use is preventable. If children reach adulthood without using illegal
drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, they are unlikely to develop a chemical-dependency
problem later in life. To this end, the Strategy seeks to involve
parents, coaches, mentors, teachers, clergy, and other role models
in a broad prevention campaign.
Drug
dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder that exacts an enormous
cost on individuals, families, businesses, communities, and nations.
Addicted individuals frequently engage in self-destructive and criminal
behavior. Treatment can help them end dependence on addictive drugs.
Treatment programs also reduce the consequences of addiction on
the rest of society. Providing treatment for America's chronic drug
users is both compassionate public policy and a sound investment.
Along
with prevention and treatment, law enforcement is essential for
reducing drug use in the United States. Illegal drug trafficking
inflicts violence and corruption on our communities. Law enforcement
is the first line of defense against such unacceptable activity.
The
federal government alone bears responsibility for securing our national
borders. Better organization along land borders and at air and seaports
will reduce the volume of illegal drugs reaching American communities.
The
rule of law and human rights are both threatened by drug trafficking.
Supply-reduction programs attack international criminal organizations,
strengthen democratic institutions, and honor our drug-control commitments
abroad.
We
are confident that a balanced strategy that relies on prevention,
treatment, law enforcement, supply reduction, and international
coordination can dramatically reduce the prevalence and social consequences
of drug abuse.
Barry
R. McCaffrey
Director
Office of National Drug Control Policy
