ONCDP seeks to reduce drug use and access

As part of U.S. Drug Enforcement Policing the Director of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske met with the ambassadors of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama in Washington in January. The topic of discussion was U.S. efforts to reduce drug use and its consequences, as well as prevent illegal drug entry into the United States.



According to the ONDCP report, drug use has dropped roughly one-third from the lat 1970’s. In the last five years, Cocaine use among Americans dropped 46% among young adults aged 18 to 25. Those who have tested positive for cocaine in the workplace has dropped 65% during the same period. The ONDCP seeks to decrease the total number of chronic drug users by an additional 15 percent by 2015.

According to ONDCP, scientific evidence has shown that prevention efforts such as community-based treatment programs are the most cost-effective and common-sense approach to reducing the demand for illegal drugs, as opposed to sending nonviolent offenders to prison.

The Administration continues funding scientific research on drug use, while also supporting initiatives that make addiction treatment an integrated part of health care and provide community services that support sustained recovery.

In addition, the United States continues to work with Central American countries to help stem the illegal drug trade by providing them with assistance to help strengthen security, foster economic growth and promote democracy and the rule of law.