The 1989 strategy and each succeeding strategy are based on four key principles: (1) the essence of the drug problem is drug use; (2) drug users must be held accountable; (3) the strategy must be comprehensive, integrating efforts to reduce both supply and demand; and (4) the strategy must be national and not just Federal. Many initiatives have been advanced to further the war on drugs, and distinct fronts are emerging to control both casual and hard-core drug use. Major elements of the National Drug Control Strategy include prevention in the community, schools, and the workplace, along with volunteerism, improving drug treatment capacity and quality, job training, and the development of new medications. Criminal justice elements of the strategy involve community policing, Weed and Seed, high-intensity drug trafficking areas, drug trafficking organizations and gangs, alternative and intermediate sanctions, money laundering, and heroin investigations. The strategy's interdiction elements encompass precursor and essential chemicals, eradication, research and technology, and military support to law enforcement. The need for good intelligence and international cooperation is stressed, and drug cooperation agreements signed with Latin American countries are noted. 5 endnotes and 8 figures