What are the three core principles of the National Control Strategy?

Which do you believe to be the most effective? The least?

By Leidy V. Cardona May 31, 2011 Professor Warren Hodges CJI- 102

People in our society no a days rely themselves on drugs whether its based on problems at home or school, peer pressure, social disorganization, emotional or rational choice. When a person is blinded on the effect of drugs, they usually dont intend to succeed, but they stay stuck and instead they revolve their world around it. Once someone is under the influence of any type of drug its hard to quit. Most individuals develop the habit of doing drugs around the age of 13. Statistics have shown by the time students are out of high school, 81% have used any type of drugs. (Klofas)For instance majority of people in our society use marijuana as the gateway drug, this means it opens up the doors for harder drugs such as cocaine. The National Drug Control has three strategies whose they enforce to reduce drug abuse. They are based on the core principles of: stopping drug abuse before it starts, healing Americas drug users, and disrupting the market. Drug use is a problem among our society 19.9 million American age 12 years and older currently use illicit drugs. (Kolas) One of the main drugs among us marijuana, also known as the gateway drug, is a drug used at all ages. It is one of the biggest problems in America; lately this drug has been the headline. The issues of marijuana have possible negative effects, positively its use as a medical remedy; negatively its the criminality of distribution and usage, and the disparity in the enforcement. When a youth is attached to the drugs its very hard for them to quit. They begin with the reactions of a trauma. Then it all goes to the brain, which drives them to an illusion that consensus reality is real, when it isnt. The programs effectiveness on the first two philosophies most likely will reduce the population with little injections on improvements of culture change. One of the main

reasons why there are drug users is a poor family life. A study has shown that majority of drug users tend to use drugs because of a miserable childhood, such as getting abused and harsh punishment; this leads to alcohol and drug arrest as adults. Youths use drug as an escape from the real or imagined feelings of weakness. They are making an irrational choice because they arent thinking of the consequences. A rational choice is when they choose to use drugs just because, they want to feel high, relaxed or even improve their sexual responsiveness. Some just want to fit in; they dont want to be portrayed as a follower, instead as someone who can make their own decision. Peer pressure is another well known reason for teens to contribute in substance abuse. The national Drug Control, first strategy stopping initiation. This first core is based on preventing. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program was developed in Los Angeles in 1983. This program is based on preventing youth to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol. This program has made a positive difference; a study showed that 3,150 students were influenced by the D.A.R.E program. Another program that has been successful throughout time is the Life Skills Training program; this is evidence-based protection for schools, families and communities. This program is about drug resistance skills, personal self-management skills and general social skills. It has been effective that this program has proven to cut drug use by 75%. Another core principle of the National Drug Control strategy is treatment. Drug abuse is a serious health issue causing illness or injuries disturbing communities in crime and violence. This strategy was announced by the Bush administration in the beginning of 2002. Its understood it was devise because of the alleged loss of the national will to fight against substances abuse this observation resulted a gloomy

situation in the country. Monitoring the Future Survey which was conducted by the University of Michigan showed that 26 out of 100 eight grade pupils admitted to trying illegal drugs at one time or another. This result showed that many Americans do not get the treatment mandatory to help them get rid of their addiction. President bush arranged to achieve two objectives based on two principles; stopping drug use before it starts healing Americas drug users and disrupting the market (U .S. Office of the Press Secretary, 2002. The strategy maintains that in the struggle against illegal substances, every citizen has a vital role to play in stopping drug use before it starts. (Heather). The third principle of the National Control strategy is Disrupting the market for illegal drugs. This strategy is based on enforcing partnership with federal agents to man the front lines to fight against illicit drug trade. The government supports these efforts since it rises every year and more drugs are brought illegally in many ways. The HIDTA its a program that provides significant resources to agencies to ease investigations by providing information, coordination and provide special strategies. Another system is the National Guard, they supply highly skilled criminal analysis that supports the task and investigative support centers within the HIDTA. The disruption of illicit drugs affects a lot of people including families in their finances and even freedom. Another main point is that the drug trading assists the activities of terrorists and criminals worldwide. Crimes and drugs are obviously in connection, when drugs are being reduced crime decreases. The most effective core that I believe best functions is stopping initiation. Its easier to prevent from using, than to make them stop after the usage. When a parent teaches their children and students about drugs since they are young, it decreases

about a 50% of the chances of them using drugs. They learn about the consequences and serious affects. Its also strengthens the family by making the children feel like they can talk to their parents about these issues. Teenagers who are clearly shown about ways to say no are more likely to say no. Healthy ways to get a euphoric rush (Aronson 47). these suggestions include falling in love, working on projects, and praying. Most of them are no particularly among teens. It also states being aware of what drugs do to you makes it easier to resist (Heather). The least effective core that I believe functions is disrupting the market for illegal drugs. Illicit drugs are a multi billion international business run by organized international organizations. Therefore its not easy for the government to curb the illegal drug trafficking. The Mexican government has spent many billions of US dollars on drug wars. Enforcement of laws is a lot more difficult than enacting them. The war on drugs so far its the most expensive and longest war to date. They have spent billions of dollars and this had led to a minimal damage, it actually grows stronger every year. We simply cannot win this war; this war began even before it was stopped. This war is simply a pipedream. People try making the situation better by making new laws and enforcing them, but they have simply failed. We face this issue daily; our children play a big role in it. We simply cannot isolate them, they have to learn the negative so as they get older they understand and face the issue. While their young its the parents responsibility to teach them as much as they can about drugs. Citizens should define drugs are evil. Drugs mean any chemical that changes the function of the body and brain. The only drugs that should be used are the ones used for treatment and preventing illness and diseases, but these are called medicines. The

drugs that have effect are called recreational drugs, these types of drugs are addictive. They deteriorate the body and brain malfunctions, it makes the body crave therefore they are addictive. People usually forget the physical and mental problems drugs do. Some just try it especially under peer pressure. When continued using these drugs their bodies get used to it and cannot live without it. This condition is called drug addiction. People who are addicted forget what their normal life is like. They need a lot of money to take these drugs, and this is when crime increases. They fall into illegal drugs, so the laws have passed the rules to be prohibited to sell trade or consume. Violations of the regulations are punishable offense. In conclusion, the core principles of the National Drug Control strategy are good strategies. Not all three of them may work as they want them to, but they do tend to make a positive change. Stopping the drug before it starts its a good strategy, since its best to explain to a youth the bad consequences of one, and its preferable to be scared of it than to wonder what it is like. The second strategy reducing drug abuse and addiction, this strategy helps America in treatment, but you cant force someone to stop unless they admit they have an addiction. Although a treatment and detoxification for drug addiction and alcohol rehabilitation by a full time medical status can always help them realize what they have been missing this whole time and in the fantasy they were living in. The third and final strategy, disrupting the market for illegal drugs, this is not such a good outcome since for many years billions of dollars have been wasted to make a minimal damage. Criminals always administer a new way of exporting and making new kinds of illicit drugs. The war on drugs will not go away; the more illegal they make them the more citizens do it.

Work cited

B., Katie. "Teen Opinion Essays on War, Peace, Politics, Justice and More." Teen Ink | A Teen Literary Magazine and Website. Web. 28 May 2011. <http://www.teenink.com/opinion/drug-andalcohol-use/>.

Crime Prevention. "How Parents Can Prevent Drug Abuse National Crime Prevention Council." Home National Crime Prevention Council. 2001. Web. 28 May 2011. <http://www.ncpc.org/topics/drug-abuse/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs>. "Drug Wars." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 2000. Web. 28 May 2011. <http://www.npr.org/news/specials/drugwars/>. Klofas, John, Natalie Kroovand. Hipple, and Edmund F. McGarrell. The New Criminal Justice: American Communities and the Changing World of Crime Control. New York: Routledge, 2010. Print. Williams, Heather G. National Drug Control Strategy. New York: Nova Science, 2009. Print.