The Making of a Drug-Free America: Programs That Work

A close-up look at the problem of substance abuse discusses the failure of government to reduce drug abuse and crime and describes successful prevention and treatment strategies that have been used in various regions of the country. 20,000 first printing.

An assistant secretary of State during the Carter administration, attorney Falco rightly emphasizes that reducing demand for drugs is a more viable goal than trying to cut the supply. Believing that both legalization of drugs and a draconian crackdown are unwise, she surveys a broad range of programs, including those that teach prevention in the schools; that test for drugs in the workplace and offer confidential assistance to users; and that operate therapeutic communities to treat addicts. Her brief snapshots, however, are more anecdotal than comprehensive; how much can citizen groups really do to drive out inner-city dealers? More importantly, Falco fails to address the issues of financing and organizing such programs. "What we need is not more money but an entirely new strategy," she concludes, a somewhat insufficient response to the crisis she so capably describes. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.