Evaluation the Effectiveness of National Drug Control Policy

Policy is an administrative action, law, incentive, regulation, voluntary practice or procedure of a given regime and different establishments. Policies normally function at the systems level and tend to influence complicated systems in ways that will improve the safety and health of a population. In the United States, National Drug Control policy has been established to handle control and prevent the use of drugs like cocaine, heroin, alcohol, marijuana, among others. It is also keen on topics like: prescription drug abuse and Heroin use, drugged driving, prevention, and special population and drugs. It further aims at partnering with communities to succeed in the war on drugs. Therefore, the National Drug Control Policy is a good policy because it collaborates with communities to prevent drug use, and helps people get treatment.

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The National Drug Control Policy has an objective to prevent the abuse of drugs in the United States and it has been working. For example, the Alcohol abuse in the United States has reduced alcohol use among the underage people who are between the ages of 12 and 20. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey, the alcohol use by the mentioned age group has dropped from 28.8 to 22.7 percent between 2002 and 2013, while binge drinking fell from 19.3 to 14.2 percent and the rate of heavy drinking went down from 6.2 to 3.7 percent. Hence, on account of the drop, the agency is demonstrating its ability to prevent drug use. If there would be no drop, for instance in alcohol consumption, it could be clear the agency is not meeting its core objective of preventing drug use.

In the same breath, cocaine use had dropped in a few years ago. In 2013, the number of current users aged 12 or older was 1.5 million. This number is lower than in 2002 to 2007 whose consumption was ranging from 2.0 million to 2.4 million (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2013). These nationwide statistics justify that the National Drug Control Policy is effective in preventing drug abuse in the United States communities. If it could not be effective, then such results could not have been achieved. As time goes by the alcohol and drug abuse use, especially among the underage folks, should fall significantly so that the U.S. can stay free from substance abuse.

Breaking the cycle of drug use, crime, and incarceration; it is the National Drug Control Policy strategy that would dismantle the perennial drug abuse in the United States. According to the survey, the increase of marijuana has been on the steady rise and its a precursor for abuse of other drugs. However, marijuana legalization is today at the heart of public interest. However, the agency is working closely with authorities to prevent the escalating consumption of marijuana. Though, it is not legalized in some states but the office of National Drug Control Policy is keenly following the amount of consumption of marijuana for an action against those who are abusing it. Through this monitoring and unrelenting spirit, the agency stands a better chance of reducing the possibility drug abuse in the U.S.

Nevertheless, from the statistics, it is true that the policy is bringing some meaningful change. The research reports that drunk driving has reduced in the country. This is courtesy of decrease in use of alcohol. As a policy, it should always aim at bringing change that leads to significant results. Therefore, the proof that the number of those who are driving while under the influence of Alcohol is declining, indicates that with the upsurge in consumption of illicit drugs still the policy is able to achieve some goals. It gives a promise that with more strictness or formulation of stringent laws it would be within the realms of possibility for the policy to achieve more. As a result, the policy has been able to reduce binge drinking and drugged driving. caused by drunk driving.

Improving information systems to better address drug use and its consequences. The policy is in a better position to give people information. The office of National Drug Control Policy has an online presence. On their website all the information about their objectives are clearly outlined. They give warnings on drug abuse. With a close collaboration with the criminal justice of the United States, those who are found guilty of substance abuse shall face the law. With information, and warnings the agency has been able to offer treatment to those who abused drugs, and prosecuted some. Some have been taken to rehabilitation centers, which offers treatment for drug abusers. According to the office of National Drug Control, millions of Americans have made a successful journey from addiction to recovery. The agency, helped prevent alcohol abuse from escalation through secular and faith-based treatment and this has been possible through its collaboration with the communities.

Enhancing the healthcare of the U.S citizenry- the policy is committed to reducing the health effects of drug abuse in the United States. A nation that is healthy, is capable of driving the economy. The achievement like decrease in tobacco consumption in the country is a clear show that diseases like lung cancer shall always be maintained at a minimal level. This shows that United States shall have a country that has health human resource that shall always work towards developing the economy of the nation. On health, the office of National Drug Control Policy has been able to support approximately 23 million Americans from the recovery, sensitize people on dangers of drug abuse, and fight stigma associated with addiction. Therefore, treating the drug addicts has been made easy and those who recover can still feel comfortable in the communities as they encourage others to desist from drug abuse.

In conclusion, the National Drug Control Policy is effective and has been able to succeed in preventing drug use, and helping people get treatment. Statistics indicate that the alcohol use between the ages of 12 and 20 has dropped from 28.8 to 22.7 percent between 2002 and 2013, and about 23 million Americans are recovering from drug abuse. With these statistics, it is justifiable that the policy is effective and it is committed to preventing drug abuse and facilitating treatment among the addicts to make America a sober and healthy nation.

References

www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHresultsPDFWHTML2013/Web/NSDUHresults2013.htm#3.1.2www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trendsUnited States. (1996). ONDCP brief. Washington, DC: Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President.

United States. (1989). National drug control strategy. Washington, D.C: Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President.

United States. (1995). Office of National Drug Control Policy. Washington, DC: Executive Office of the President.