NCJ Number
235977
Date Published
1992
Length
229 pages
Annotation
This report from the majority staffs of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate International Narcotics Control Caucus presents an evaluation of the Nation's Drug Control Strategy.
Abstract
Major findings from this report include: as of 1991, hard-core cocaine addiction had increased significantly since 1988; hospital emergency room data, needle use surveys, and other indicators point to a resurgence of hard-core heroin addiction; the increase in the hard-core addiction rates has contributed significantly to the record murder rates for 1990 (23,440) and 1991 (24,020); indicators point to an increase in the use of LSD among teenagers, despite the decreasing trend in overall drug abuse among that age group; and drug abuse among women was increasing at a faster rate than that for men. This report from the staffs of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate International Narcotics Control Caucus presents an evaluation of the Nation's Drug Control Strategy. The evaluation found that while there has been some improvement in reducing overall drug abuse in the country, the increase in hard-core drug addiction indicates that the drug control strategy is not effective. This document discusses the results of the evaluation in detail along with the issues facing the current administration on whether or not to continue with the current strategy. The report also presents a proposed comprehensive strategy for dealing with the issues. Parts of the proposed strategy include: increase efforts to fight the growing heroin trade, especially in its dealings with China; increase funding to drug education and drug treatment programs, and expand funding for local law enforcement's drug strategy efforts; and increase funding for combatting rural crime and drug abuse. Tables and appendixes