[House Document 112-98]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



112th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 112-98


 
                  2012 NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY

                               __________

                                MESSAGE

                                  from

                     THEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATES

                              transmitting

 THE ADMINISTRATION'S 2012 NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY, PURSUANT TO 
                             21 U.S.C. 1504






   April 19, 2012.--Message and accompanying papers referred to the 
 Committees on Armed Services, Education and the Workforce, Energy and 
 Commerce, Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, the 
    Judiciary, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, 
  Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans' Affairs, and Ways and 
                    Means and ordered to be printed

To the Congress of the United States:
    I am pleased to transmit the 2012 National Drug Control 
Strategy, which follows through on the commitment made by my 
Administration to chart a new course in our efforts to reduce 
illicit drug use and its consequences in the United States. The 
balanced approach outlined in the Administration's inaugural 
National Drug Control Strategy has yielded significant results, 
which are detailed in the following pages.
    Our Nation still faces serious drug-related challenges, 
however. Too many Americans need treatment for substance use 
disorders but do not receive it. Prescription drug abuse 
continues to claim American lives, and those who take drugs and 
drive threaten safety on our Nation's roadways. Young people's 
perceptions of the risks of drug use have declined over the 
past decade, and research suggests that this often predicts 
future increases in drug use. There is still much left to do to 
reform our justice system and break the cycle of drug use and 
crime. Our commitment to work with partner nations must remain 
steadfast to reduce drug production, trafficking, and related 
transnational threats.
    Based upon the progress we have achieved over the past 
three years, I am confident we can address these challenges 
through concerted action along the entire spectrum of 
prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, 
criminal justice reform, law enforcement, and international 
cooperation. However, we must match our commitment with the 
appropriate resources.
    Illicit drug use in America contributed to an estimated 
$193 billion in crime, health, and lost productivity costs in 
2007, the year for which the most recent estimate is available. 
In today's challenging economic environment, we cannot afford 
such a drain on our economy and public resources. While 
difficult budget decisions must be made at all levels of 
government, we must ensure continued support for policies and 
programs that reduce drug use and its enormous costs to 
American society. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our 
economy but also sustain the national character and spirit that 
has made the United States a world leader.
    I look forward to continuing to work with the Congress and 
Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders, 
international partners, and the American people in this 
important endeavor.

                                                      Barack Obama.
    The White House, April 19, 2012.

    
    
