NCJ Number
198158
Date Published
February 2003
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This update provides an annual report on the counterdrug research and development (R&D) program concentrating on those accomplishments made with R&D projects conducted with Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center (CTAC) funding and the Technology Transfer Program (TTP).
Abstract
Using the advancements in technology helps to make streets safer and helps to develop the knowledge needed to prevent and treat drug abuse. This update from the Office of National Drug Control Policy provides a periodic report on the efforts of the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center (CTAC) on the research and development program (R&D) and the Technology Transfer Program (TTP). The demand reduction R&D program supports the President’s national priorities of stopping the use before it starts and healing drug users. In 2002, 3 advanced neuroimaging centers became operational increasing the total number of CTAC-sponsored neuroimaging centers to 12, expanding research and offering insights into the underlying causes of addiction. In regards to the supply reduction area, CTAC works with national drug control agencies to develop and evaluate technologies to interdict drug shipments and disrupt the drug market. The union of the R&D program and the TTP has delivered advanced drug crime fighting technology and the training necessary to use it to nearly 4,000 State and local law enforcement agencies across all 50 States. A program is being developed by CTAC to provide scientists with the proper equipment and technology to assess potential linkages of drug addiction with the genetic predisposition to other diseases of the brain. Appendices to this report provide information mandated by CTAC’s role as the central counterdrug technology research and development organization of the U.S. Government. CTAC’s efforts support the National Drug Control Strategy goals of achieving a 10 percent reduction in current use of illegal drugs in 2 years and a 25 percent reduction in current use of illegal drugs in 5 years. Appendices A-F