Awareness is growing that the current approach to drug problems is ineffective and that drastic changes is needed. This awareness exists mainly in academic, professional, and political circles and has resulted in the creation of various international movements. However, the manner in which the current approach should be reformed is a source of disagreement. The reasons for abolishing the current drug policy rest both in its misconception of the nature of drug problems and in its approach toward these problems. Both the problem definition based on a universal harm paradigm and the criminalization of production, trafficking, and possession of certain drugs should be abolished. To achieve the abolition of drug policy, strategic alternatives are needed for the short term. These alternatives should be aimed at reducing the adverse effects of current drug policy in specific locations in the world without, further legitimizing the current system of drug control. Notes and 37 references (Author abstract modified)