Statistics show that drug use has dropped significantly from 1979 through 1991, with the sharpest drop occurring between 1985 and 1988. The reduction rate has declined from 1988 through 1991. The panel of witnesses interprets this as showing that casual drug use is declining, largely through drug education and drug prevention programs among the young. Hardcore users, however, either persist in their drug use or have quit and then relapsed into drug use later. Much of the panel's discussion with the Judiciary Committee members focuses on the most effective strategy for reducing drug use among hardcore users. There is general agreement that hardcore drug users are most likely to quit drug use through a two-pronged strategy of reducing the drug supply and providing voluntary or mandatory drug treatment. There is some disagreement on the amounts that should be budgeted for each prong of this strategy. Some Committee members also question the members of the panel on the wisdom of political appointees to the Office of National Drug Control Policy being active in partisan politics while being on Office staff. 19 figures