The 1982 Federal strategy is concerned with the widespread social and health problems created by the abuse of a number of drugs. The strategy's five major elements include international cooperation, drug law enforcement, education and prevention, detoxification and treatment, and research. The total program will rely heavily on integrated and cooperative efforts of Federal, State, and local governments, as well as on the close involvement of the private sector, including both the business community and volunteers. A recent study revealed that the minimal cost of drug abuse to the United States in 1977 was over $16 billion. Of this amount, young males (ages 18 to 24) paid a high penalty, with more than $3 billion due to lost employment and reduced productivity. Efforts will focus on reduction of the use of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, sedatives/depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, and alcohol. The United States' international policy to control and prevent the spread of drug abuse include encouraging the governments of producer and transit countries to accept their national responsibilities under treaties, increasing emphasis on crop control, insisting on linkage between drug-control related development assistance and agreements on reducing production of illicit drugs, and greater international assistance from more of the wealthy and industrialized nations. Drug law enforcement efforts will focus on aggressive interdiction and investigation, effective prosecution, stiff prison sentences, and seizure of illegal drugs. The major thrust of education and prevention programs must be directed to school-age children and their families. Graphs, a budget summary, a listing of Federal agencies with drug abuse responsibilities, and Executive Order 12368 are provided.