Drugs are an integral part of society; they are needed for medical treatment, and alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine are widely used for recreational purposes. The national drug control strategy does not appear to acknowledge prescription drugs and their necessary and proper use. This sometimes scares patients, especially parents and their children, from taking a positive approach to adequate drug therapy. It is not enough to publicly promise to come down on drug sellers and their agents or to declare war on foreign and domestic cultivators without considering social and economic forces that have involved them. Society as a whole has the right to deter or stop conduct that threatens society. At the same time, the need for an expansive effort to combat drug abuse must not interfere with personal freedom any more than is necessary to preserve society. In the best sense of federalism, private economic self-interest, and volunteerism, government must encourage local initiative in all areas of law enforcement, treatment, and education to prevent drug abuse. Whether the focus is interdiction, enforcement, education, rehabilitation, or prevention, there must be an understanding and consideration of the local community and its idiosyncrasies. Long-term solutions to the drug problem are discussed.