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Toward a Drug-Free America: The National Drug Strategy and Implementation Plans

NCJ Number
116111
Date Published
1988
Length
60 pages
Annotation
Because drug abuse threatens so many aspects of society and its fundamental values, President Reagan has described six goals to serve as foundation for ensuring a drug-free Nation.
Abstract
These strategies call for drug-free workplaces and schools, expanded treatment, improved international cooperation, strengthened drug law enforcement, and increased public awareness. The National Drug Strategy established two basic objectives: to reduce the supply of illicit drugs and to eliminate the demand for such drugs. Strategies to stop the flow of drugs include national intelligence activities; international control; and air, land, and maritime interdiction efforts. Investigative strategies have focused on immobilizing drug trafficking organizations and increasing drug seizures. In addition, prosecution efforts have focused on prioritizing and attacking targets at the regional, State, and local levels, as well as nationally. As part of the prevention education strategy, emphasis has been placed on leadership to promote awareness and information collection and dissemination. Strategies also have been developed that target both mainstream adults and high-risk youth. Treatment initiatives concentrate on identifying drug users and engaging them in treatment, ensuring treatment availability, and stimulating private-sector involvement. This comprehensive effort already has achieved significant progress in the major strategy areas discussed.