The Office of National Drug Control Policy released its 2010 National Drug Control Strategy.

In the preface, ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske states,

The development of this Strategy was informed by scientific breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment

fields, innovations in law enforcement, and the thoughtful advice of Congress, Federal agencies,

State and local partners, civic and professional organizations, and hundreds of concerned citizens around

the country. In following President Obama’s charge to seek a broad range of input for the Strategy, I

gained a renewed appreciation of how deeply concerned Americans are about drug use. It touches

each one of us, whether we know a family member, a friend, or a colleague who suffers from addiction

or is in recovery, a police officer working to protect the community, or parents striving to keep their

child drug free.

Drug overdose deaths surpass gunshot deaths in our country, and in 16 states, overdose deaths are a

more common cause of accidental death than car crashes. Drugged driving has now been identified

at higher levels than alcohol-impaired driving. Prescription drug abuse is at record levels. As President

Obama himself has said, “Never has it been more important to have a national drug control strategy

guided by sound principles of public safety and public health.” We cannot continue to pursue the same

old strategy and expect better results. The Obama Administration’s strategy is unique because it takes

advantage of what we now know about how to more effectively prevent drug use, provide addiction

treatment, and enforce the law against illegal drugs.

During my 37 years in law enforcement, I have seen the success that a collaborative, balanced crime

strategy has had in our country, and I am convinced that a similar effort can be initiated in dealing with

drug use. The balanced approach of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and enforcement presented

in this Strategy will effectively address the serious drug problem faced by our Nation today. The

responsibility to lead its coordination lies with me, but the Strategy is designed to promote the safety

and health of our entire Nation. Its success will depend on the best efforts, ideas, and collaboration of

all its many stakeholders. I have no doubt that our shared efforts to augment prevention, expand treatment,

and strengthen law enforcement in a seamless fashion will reduce drug use and the tremendous

damage it inflicts on our country. I appreciate the support of Congress in addressing these critical issues

and ask for continued support and collaboration in implementing the Administration’s Strategy goals.

Above all, I look forward to continuing to work with the American people in making our Nation safer,

healthier, and stronger.

The 2010 National Drug Control Strategy is available here.

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