NCJ Number
38406
Date Published
1975
Length
129 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER ASSESSES THE EXTENT OF DRUG ABUSE IN AMERICA, ANALYZES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRUG PROGRAMS AND POLICIES; AND PRESENTS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S OVERALL DRUG ABUSE REDUCTION STRATEGY.
Abstract
AN ANALYSIS OF THE PRINCIPAL DRUGS OF ABUSE IS FOLLOWED BY SEPARATE DISCUSSIONS OF THE FEDERAL SUPPLY AND DEMAND REDUCTION EFFORTS. THE ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY REDUCTION PROGRAMS COVERS ENFORCEMENT, INTELLIGENCE, INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES, REGULATION, AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. DEMAND REDUCTION EFFORTS ASSESSED INCLUDE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION, TREATMENT, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, INTERFACE BETWEEN TREATMENT AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, RESEARCH/DEMONSTRATION/EVALUATION, AND INTERNATIONAL DEMAND REDUCTION. THE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS THAT PRIORITY IN BOTH SUPPLY AND DEMAND REDUCTION BE DIRECTED TOWARD THOSE DRUGS POSING A GREATER RISK TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND TO SOCIETY - HEROIN, AMPHETAMINES, AND MIXED BARBITURATES - AND TOWARD COMPULSIVE USERS OF DRUGS OF ANY KIND. ALSO ADVOCATED ARE GREATER EMPHASIS ON REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES AIMED AT CURTAILING DIVERSION FROM LEGITIMATE PRODUCTION, INCREASED INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN PREVENTING THE ILLICIT PRODUCTION OF DRUGS, AND EXPANDED PREVENTION AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION EFFORTS. THE NEED FOR BETTER INTERAGENCY COORDINATION, STRONGER INTRA-AGENCY MANAGEMENT, AND THE SUPPORT AND COOPERATION OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, PRIVATE BUSINESSES, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IS ALSO HIGHLIGHTED. COMMENTS FROM THE U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICES AND THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION ARE APPENDED.