Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122089

David Murray, PhD, Senior Advisor to the Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, 750 17th St, NW, Washington, DC 20503, (202)395-4622, mgagne@ondcp.eop.gov

“Balance” is a word that is not often used in the field of drug control. Effective prevention programs are helped when adults and individuals in positions of responsibility are clear and unambiguous in their opposition to drug use. When prevention works, the load on the treatment system is eased. Drug treatment programs are more effective when the market for illegal drugs is disrupted and drugs are not pure, inexpensive, and readily available. Interdiction programs take drugs off the market in tandem with the success of treatment and prevention efforts, preventing what could otherwise be a glut in availability that could draw in new users.

This year's National Drug Control Strategy has three priorities which create this balance: Stopping use before it starts, Healing America's users, and Disrupting the market. Stopping use before it starts examines the distinct role of schools, communities, and the media in making parents more effective in the crucial challenge of guiding young people to avoid drugs and alcohol. Healing America's users addresses the special challenge of helping the dependent, discusses the importance of physician education, screening, and referral to treatment, and the role of drug courts. Finally, disrupting the markets discusses efforts, both foreign and domestic, to disrupt the availability and purity of illegal drugs, through source country efforts, interdiction programs, and investigative operations.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the consequences of a sound drug policy.
• Identify important indicators of changes in drug use and drug prevalence.
• Understand the basis of the National Drug Control Strategy’s diagnosis of the drug problem.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation