    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2008]
    [Pages 1444-1446]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    December 13, 2008

        Good morning. This week, our country received good news in the fight
    against illegal drugs. New data show that illicit drug use amongst young
    people continues to decline and that we are making good progress in our
    efforts to help thousands of Americans renew their health and hope.
        Substance abuse is a serious challenge for our Nation. Addiction
    breaks hearts, destroys families, and keeps our citizens from fulfilling
    their God-given potential. The drug trade also enriches our enemies and
    brings crime and violence to our streets. So, in 2002, I committed our
    Nation to an ambitious effort to cut drug use by limiting demand,
    reducing supply, and helping addicts get treatment.
        Over the past 6 years, we've made great strides toward these goals.
    Parents, teachers, mentors, and counselors have done fantastic work to
    educate children about the dangers of drug abuse. Law enforcement
    officers have risked their lives to cut the supply of drugs on city
    streets. And with help from our international partners, we're pursuing
    drug dealers around the world and interdicting supply before it reaches
    our shores. This year, the Coast Guard took

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    possession of more than 360,000 pounds of South American cocaine, an
    alltime record.
        To help Americans break the chains of addiction, we've built strong
    partnerships with faith-based and community groups. These groups open
    minds and change hearts in a way no government bureaucracy can, so my
    administration has supported their life-changing work. Through our
    Access to Recovery program, addicts receive vouchers they can redeem at
    treatment centers of their choice, including faith-based centers. So
    far, this program has helped more than 260,000 addicts along the path
    toward clean lives.
        Taken together, our efforts to reduce demand, cut supply, and help
    people break the chains of addiction are yielding measurable results.
    Over the past 7 years, marijuana use by young people has dropped by 25
    percent. Methamphetamine use by young people is down by 50 percent. And
    the use of cocaine, hallucinogens, steroids, and alcohol by America's
    youth are all on the decline. Overall, illegal drug use by Americans is
    down by 25 percent, meaning we have helped approximately 900,000 young
    people stay clean.
        These statistics reflect successful government policies. They also
    represent the courage and compassion of Americans who are determined to
    help their fellow citizens win their struggle against drugs. On
    Thursday, I met with some of these people at the White House, and I am
    inspired by their stories.
        I was especially interested in a young man named Josh. At age 19, Josh had never touched drugs or alcohol.
    He had a promising life and career ahead of him. Yet after a car
    accident left him injured and unable to work, Josh started abusing
    alcohol and cocaine. He put his marriage and career in jeopardy. Eight
    different treatment programs failed to turn his life around, but the
    intervention of his grandmother, the support of
    his wife, and the loving influence of God
    did. Today, this young man is free of drugs. He's a caring husband and
    father. And Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is one of the best
    players in Major League Baseball. More importantly, he and his wife
    Katie make time to share their blessings. Through their ministry,
    they're helping other Americans avoid the suffering their family
    endured.
        Josh Hamilton shows that the
    devastation of drug addiction can happen to anyone, but that with faith
    and determination, anyone can turn a life around. So today I ask every
    American with a drug or alcohol problem to seek treatment, because your
    life is precious to the people who love you. Our Nation needs your
    contributions, and there is a more hopeful future ahead. I ask all
    Americans to reach out to your neighbors in need and do your part to
    help our Nation win the fight against illegal drugs.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 6:55 a.m. on December 12 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December
    13. In the address, the President referred to Mary Holt, grandmother of
    Josh Hamilton, centerfielder, Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    December 12, but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.

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