NCJ Number
148065
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This position-neutral document informs citizens on the general problem of drugs in society.
Abstract
A major theme is that it is not someone else's problem, even though one may not be a drug user. Every individual plays a part in contributing to the problem or the solution. By understanding the dynamics of supply and demand, one can understand the connection between drugs and crime. The problem has grown so large that no one is safe. Some confounding political factors are explained. Law enforcement is expensive and at current resource levels can intercept only a small proportion of the drugs shipped into the country. Foreign countries that depend on the drug trade for their livelihood naturally can be reluctant to give it up; further, they may be important as allies. Basically, there are three policy options: 1) Escalate the war on drugs; 2) Legalize drugs; and 3) Reduce demand. Those who favor escalating the war on drugs believe that the war simply hasn't been fought hard enough. Proponents of legalization contend that the war on drugs has not worked; legalization would take the drug market out of the hands of drug dealers and put it into the legitimate hands of government and business. Those who stress reducing demand for drugs seek to get to the root of the matter and change the social, economic, and cultural conditions in which drugs now flourish.