I. Drug-Control Strategy: An Overview
Introduction
hroughout history, the American people have demonstrated a resolve to strengthen the nation's democratic structures and improve the opportunities for all citizens to realize their full potential. In the face of wide and divergent threats to the nation's well-being, successive generations have not wavered in their determination to build a stronger, healthier country. That essential wisdom and perseverance remains with us today, especially with regard to the problem of drug abuse. The vast majority of our citizens have repeatedly asserted their desire to be rid of the threat posed by illegal drugs. The American people have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to reduce illegal drug use and its destructive consequences.
Drug abuse inflicts considerable damage on our country. The pages that follow detail the extent to which the nation suffers from drug abuse and describe what we plan to do about it. As the title of the Strategy implies, drug abuse is a national problem that demands a national solution that includes not only federal efforts, but efforts by states, counties, cities, communities, families, civic groups, anti-drug coalitions, and other committed organizations.
Illegal drug use and its consequences, including crime, permeate every corner of our society, afflicting inner cities, affluent suburbs, and rural communities. Drug use affects the rich and poor, educated and uneducated, professional and blue collar workers. Seventy-three percent of drug users in America are employed. Addict populations include the elderly and those -- were it not for their drug habit -- considered to be in the prime of their lives. Drug use is prevalent among the young (although not as widespread as many youth think). In recent years, we have seen the age for first use of drugs decline. Innocent infants are suffering in great numbers from the chemical dependencies passed on to them by mothers who are addicted to drugs. In short, illegal drugs harm all society.
The history of drug use in America over the last hundred years indicates this blight is cyclic in nature. When the nation fails to pay attention and guard against it, drug use tends to spread. The introduction of cocaine to an unsuspecting America in the late nineteenth century is a prime example of how perception and attitude affect the incidence of drug abuse. Since the psycho-pharmacological effects of cocaine were unknown and its alleged benefits were touted by some of the leading health authorities of the age (whose claims were repeated in commercial advertising), cocaine use sky-rocketed. Actions followed attitudes until the negative consequences of addiction to the drug were so apparent and widespread that the resulting alteration in perception produced a social rejection of drug abuse. Laws were promulgated, medical processes implemented, and values adopted that led to decreased drug abuse and a healthier, less crime-ridden nation.
When we relaxed our vigilance again, extensive drug abuse reappeared. New drugs came on the scene, often more potent and destructive than those that had come before. They brought with them subcultures that offered special appeal to different segments of society, too often the young and impressionable. Once again drug abuse spread, and with it deleterious consequences. Three times in a century we have seen drug use rise and fall. Illegal drug use has never disappeared entirely, although it is clear that we have brought the percentages of Americans who choose to use drugs way down.
Today, 6.4 percent of Americans use illegal drugs, down more than 50 percent from 17.5 percent of the population in 1979. But if we are not careful, the numbers could go the other way. Drug use is a reflection of attitudes. In that regard, we are concerned for children. Beginning around 1990, youth attitudes towards substance abuse became more permissive. Soon thereafter actions followed perceptions and youth use of illegal drugs increased. That trend continued for the better part of the decade. If we do not reverse it, a generation of our youth will come of age having established a pattern of drug abuse. The nation will be a long time recovering from such a tragedy.
Drug use and its consequences can be reduced. By historical standards, present rates of drug use are relatively low. With the concerted efforts outlined in this Strategy, we can lower them further. Indeed, the will and commitment of the American people are such that we aim to slash rates of drug use by half over the next several years.
