NCJ Number
135689
Date Published
1991
Length
88 pages
Annotation
The State of New York's Anti-Drug Abuse Council's 1991 Strategy Report Update focuses on progress and priorities to fight the epidemic of substance abuse.
Abstract
Council members and policy makers have approached the substance abuse crisis emphasizing prevention, law enforcement, and treatment. Prevention is regarded as the most fundamental strategy; the State's drug and alcohol prevention network has expanded to over 400 programs, and 8 community schools have been built. Future prevention programs will target early education environments such as Head Start, child care workers, and parents. Law enforcement plays a major role in coping with the crisis as demonstrated in the assignment of over 370 State Police to drug investigations. State Police are helping police agencies stop violent narcotic activities. Initiatives reveal a desire to have a more hands-on approach with the community as officers are now walking the streets instead of patrolling by car. Substance abuse victims having access to treatment remains an important goal. Though progress has been made, statistics demonstrate an increase in drug use among pregnant women and criminal offenders. With diminishing Federal support for local programs, the State must continually pressure the Federal government for additional funds to stop drug and alcohol abuse. 11 graphs, 3 photographs, and 16 references