Local communities and courts are angered and overwhelmed at the realization that an addicted criminal is likely to escalate the number of criminal acts fivefold while taking drugs when compared to crimes committed while abstinent. Surveys by arresting authorities repeatedly report that more than 60 percent of the suspects arrested and arraigned test positive for the presence of illicit drugs. Other concerns regarding drug abuse include driving while under the influence of drugs, drug related homicides, family dysfunction and disruption, damage to newborn babies, and corruption among public officials. As a result of all these concerns, elected legislators reflexively seek to pass more punitive and restrictive laws. However it is time to consider that the many problems of drug abuse do not respond to hostile combat, but are solved by engaging in a concerted public health approach. The technical and professional skills exist to accomplish the task of defining and identifying the problems of drug abuse.