The discussion evaluates the current policy debate which generally focuses on the wisdom of relying on supply reduction versus demand reduction strategies after concluding that society would not benefit from a widened legitimate access to drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Supply reduction strategies include crop eradication, drug interdiction at national borders, and the immobilization of trafficking networks whereas demand reduction approaches concentrate on treatment or prevention programs. The outcomes support some optimism in regard to demand side approaches, yet demand reduction strategies do not guarantee certain success any more than supply reduction approaches. As a means to tracking Federal priorities, the categorization of supply and demand reduction efforts proves a useful analytic device, but categorization serves to block effective governmental action if it promotes a continuing political stalemate or divides the institutions that must deal with the program. The need to mobilize quickly to limit the cocaine epidemic conflicts with the need to learn about which policies are effective and which are not. 91 footnotes