NCJ Number
161695
Date Published
1989
Length
88 pages
Annotation
The strategy report of New York's Statewide Anti-Drug Abuse Council indicates more than 2 million residents have used drugs during the past 6 months, more than 1.3 million adults are alcoholics, and about 400,000 secondary school students use alcohol and other drugs with varying degrees of regularity.
Abstract
Recent years have been marked by a rapid growth in cocaine use, the emergence of crack, and a pattern of polydrug use. The impact of drug and alcohol abuse can be seen in statistics showing record numbers of murders and increases in other violent crimes. Costs associated with preventing and treating drug and alcohol abuse have risen, and law enforcement costs are staggering. In response, New York has implemented a broad array of programs, including school and community-based prevention efforts and health programs that provide outreach, education, and essential care. Additionally, New York's criminal justice system has increased its capacity to investigate, arrest, prosecute, and punish drug traffickers and violent criminals through a series of programs and legislative initiatives. Key issues and priorities in drug control are identified, and recommendations focusing on prevention, treatment, and criminal and juvenile justice systems are offered. 92 references, 1 table, and 10 figures