The argument for treatment expansion is strong. However treatment has key limitations in controlling a nation’s drug problems. No nation has succeeded in treating its way out of a major cocaine or heroin problem. Treatment can substantially reduce the health burden of drug abuse, related crime and the quantity of drugs consumed. It can make only relatively modest reductions in the number of men and women who misuse drugs, or who have ongoing abuse or dependence disorders. Even with a well-funded treatment sector, a nation will still face chronic problems of disease, addiction, crime and disorder associated with illegal drugs. Advocates for primary prevention and criminal justice interventions-- the two main alternatives— are handicapped by a dearth of empirical evidence to provide guidance as to how much such programs can contribute to reducing drug problems. The available evidence suggests that each can, on its own, make only a modest contribution, and it is not clear that there are synergies between them. On the other hand, improving the links between enforcement, and treatment is essential for either intervention to achieve its stated goals.

Many studies have found treatment to have large effects on individuals’ consumption and harms. However, there is an absence of evidence that even relatively well funded treatment systems have much reduced the number of people in a nation who engage in problematic drug use. For prevention, the scientific literature shows useful and modest effects at the individual level but there is little support for substantial aggregate effects. For enforcement, research has almost uniformly failed to show that intensified policing or sanctions have reduced either drug prevalence or drug-related harm. Nor--outside of the U.K.--is there more than a modest effort to improve the evidence base for making decisions about the appropriate level of enforcement of drug prohibitions.
Treatment can justify itself in terms of reductions in harms to individuals and communities. However even treatment systems that offer generous access to good quality services will leave a nation with substantial drug problem. Finding effective complementary programs remains a major challenge.

JOSE

Isn't it a shame that this country has such a drug problem, but not enough affordable drug rehabilitation centers for drug addicts????
I have a daughter who is a heroin addict and can not afford to place her in a rehabilitation center due to not having enough money to pay for it!!! So, now she is living on the streets in Jacksonville, FL hoping that since she is away from the area we live in (Orlando) that she will not turn to the drugs again.....
She was in a detox center for a total of 2 days, which in my opinion was not nearly long enough.
Still struggling...

Those who fear the random drug test obviously have something to hide. The work place that regulated its employees makes it easier to live and work amongst each other. If your not on any illegal substances you have nothing to worry about.

Robert

The path to drug addiction begins with that first act of taking drugs. Over time, a person may need more of the drug to get the same effect. Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and, thus, on behavior. Drug addiction makes drug use a compelling need, not a casual choice
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edwina

It is important that we are all aware of not just the fact the we have a drug problem in our country but we need to know what is going on with the people whoa re using drugs. We need to be aware of what people are going through, why they are using drugs and what we can do to help them help themselves.

hi,

I WOULD LIKE TO MORE ABOUT YOU.

FloridaDrugAddiction

Drug Rehab Research Foundation develops and makes available information and programs that can be used to reduce the difficulties given by the abuse of drug and addiction to other drugs. Moreover it promotes awareness and share info for main disease model

Drug tests can help catch users before they have a real problem. In addition employers can reduce their over all costs of doing business if they test both new employees and do random tests on their current employees.

Many studies show a drug free workplace will reduce absenteeism, workers comp rates and employee theft. Employers have the right to insure the saftey of all their employees and to insure they have productive employees.