    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 1, 2004]
    [Pages 290-291]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting the National Drug Control Strategy
    March 1, 2004

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am transmitting the 2004 National Drug Control Strategy,
    consistent with the Office of National Drug Control Policy
    Reauthorization Act of 1998 (21 U.S.C. 1705).
        Two years ago, my Administration issued its National Drug Control
    Strategy setting forth a balanced approach to reducing drug use among
    teenagers and adults. The Strategy set ambitious two- and five-year
    performance-based goals: (i) to lower the rate of drug use by 10 percent
    over two years; and (ii) to lower the rate by 25 percent over five
    years. The success of the Strategy can be measured by its results.
        I am pleased to report that we have exceeded our two-year goal of
    reducing drug use among young people. The most recent survey shows an 11
    percent drop between 2001 and 2003 in the use of illicit drugs by
    teenagers. Among teens, some drugs--such as LSD--have dropped to record
    low levels of use. For others, we are seeing the lowest levels of use in
    almost a decade.
        Despite this good news, drug addiction continues to challenge far
    too many

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    Americans. Addiction to drugs destroys ties of trust, family, and
    friendship, and reduces all the richness of life to a single destructive
    desire. Almost every American has known someone who has followed the
    self-destructive path of addiction. Too many Americans want to change a
    family member's behavior, but are afraid of causing division and,
    perhaps, estrangement.
        Our Strategy proposes a remarkable and unprecedented array of drug
    control programs, treatment initiatives, and media campaign efforts. But
    more than any program, it seeks to engage the desire of all Americans to
    make this a better Nation, facing down the lie of addiction, and
    offering the hope of recovery.
        My Administration will continue to place a high priority on reducing
    drug addition in America. I ask for your continued support in this
    critical endeavor.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     March 1, 2004.