NCJ Number
232946
Date Published
January 2011
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This issue of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Update features reports on the National Southwest Border Counter-narcotics Strategy, results of the 2010 monitoring the Future (survey of youth drug use, and a brief review of the Binational Training Project for Treatment Providers along the Southwest border.
Abstract
The National Southwest Border Counter-narcotics Strategy sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), seeks to protect public health and safety by reducing the northbound flow of illegal drugs and the southbound flow of illegal weapons and proceeds along the border with Mexico. The Strategy, released in June 2009, has seen significant progress made in a several key areas, such as interdiction at and between ports of entry, investigations and prosecutions, intelligence collection and information sharing, and enhancing cooperation with Mexico on counter-drug efforts. The 2011 Strategy will chart new course in the anti-drug efforts in the border region. The new Strategy places increased emphasis on building strong communities on both sides of the border, enhancing drug prevention and treatment services, instilling a culture of lawfulness, and interrupting the cycle of drug use, violence, and crime. The results of the 2010 Monitoring the Future Study, a nationally representative annual survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, shows increase in drug use as well as continued decreases in the perceived harm of using drugs. A brief overview of the survey results is presented. ONDCP sponsored a training conference in 2010 in El Paso, TX for a mixed group of Mexican and United States drug treatment providers. The training emphasized how to recognize drug abusers, particularly young people, and refer them for appropriate follow-up. This first binational training pilot project will aid in strengthening prevention efforts along the Southwest border. 4 figures