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 while attacking the supply of drugs through law enforcement and international cooperation.
Drug abuse is preventable. If children reach adulthood without using illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, they are unlikely to develop chemical-dependency problems 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. 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 terminals and seaports will reduce the volume of illegal drugs reaching American communities.
Drug trafficking threatens both the rule of law and human rights. Supply-reduction programs attack international criminal organizations, strengthen democratic institutions, and honor our drug-control commitments abroad.
We are confident that a balanced strategy can dramatically reduce the prevalence and social consequences of drug abuse.
