The National Drug Control Strategy: Is It Time for a Change?
Abstract
Drug abuse permeates the inner cities, affluent suburbs and rural areas of the United States. Young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated; no one is immune to the consequences drug abuse. The nation expends prodigious resources in combating illegal drugs, in coping with the problems compounded by drugs and the consequences of drug abuse. This paper examines the origins and development of the National Drug Control Strategy, summarizes the strategy itself and analyzes its effectiveness. It argues that in spite of a steadily escalating war on drugs, the drug problem is worsening and considers that flaws in the strategy itself may ensure failure no matter how hard the nation tries to win in the war on drugs. It proposes as an alternative a "harm reduction", strategy based not on eliminating illegal drugs in the United States but on reducing the effects of drug abuse on the nation. Lastly, it recommends that the "harm reduction" paradigm be included in a national debate on drug strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA390547
Entities
People
- James Palsha
Organizations
- United States Army War College