Ambiguous cultural messages and changing attitudes among youth have contributed to a sharp increase in juvenile drug use. In addition, the increased use of heroin and methamphetamine by the population at large threatens to generate vast new addict populations. However, cuts to enforcement programs have frustrated the efforts of line agents and police officers. Cuts in drug interdiction have permitted the importation of vast quantities of illegal drugs helping to ensure the creation of a new generation of addicts and complicating the job of every Federal, State, and local law enforcement officer trying to push back the tide of violent crime generated by the drug trade. The Administration needs to ensure a balance that includes targeted prevention and treatment together with strong support for Federal enforcement and interdiction systems to keep the country free from the terror of violent crime and the other disastrous social consequences of illegal drug use. Figures and footnotes